Robert James Freel
June 23, 1978 -June 10, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Robert James Freel announces that he began his journey to the spirit world on June 10th, 2025, in the care of the staff at Lake of the Woods Hospital.
Rob is predeceased by his Dad, Raymond, and father-in-law, Henry; his sister Debbie, uncles Stu and John, Niece Ainsley, and beloved dog, Bud.
Rob is survived by his mom, Elizabeth. Wife Brenda and Step kids that he loved as his own, Corbin (Laura) and Montana. Mother-in-law Esther, Father-in-Law, Lorne (Lisa). Sister Cindy (Dave) and Sister in-laws Heather and Jeralyn. Uncle Earl, Brother-in-law, Lorne (Jacinta). Granddaughters Sawyer, Elaina, Naomi. Nieces, Cheyanne, Sammy, Shelby, Kaylee, Trina, Kricket, Mia, Jordyne. Nephews, Steven, Brian (Trista), Tanner, and Chasyn. His best friend Soni, and buddies Herman, Brennan, Norbert, Warren, Daryl, Kavin, Jonson, Daren, Davy, Billy, and many other friends and family in Lloydminster, Southern Saskatchewan and Shoal Lake #39
Rob was a loved Husband, Dad, Uncle, Grandpa, Cousin, Friend and Coworker. He was known for being a jokester, always sharing laughs with everyone.
Rob grew up with his Mom and sisters in Eastend, Saskatchewan, and worked at many places throughout the years, including the oil rigs when he was younger. Rob first visited Shoal Lake #40 in 2008, and soon after, he and Brenda decided to move there to be closer to family when Henry was battling cancer.
In 2009, he married his wife Brenda and dedicated the rest of his life to helping people, being a loving husband, Dad, and friend. Rob was a reliable and hard-working man, providing help wherever needed. Throughout the years, he worked as a First Responder in the community and at the arena, where he enjoyed driving the Zamboni so the kids had a nice skating rink. He worked on the barge, enjoyed driving the rock & tandem trucks and operated the grader. He was also a Medical driver for many years and was a proud Mobile Crisis Coordinator, cherished by his coworkers, always teasing and joking with them.
Making friends came easily; he always sparked conversations with everyone he encountered. Rob enjoyed his rides, and you could find Carlos in the passenger seat. Rob undoubtedly loved his hockey and was always the loudest Dad in the stands, from peewee to men’s hockey league at Corbin’s hockey games. He was always waiting to hit the road for the next tournament. Rob was a part of the Shoal Lake Flyers hockey team as a coach, alongside Sheldon. He loved joking around and hanging out with the team, and he will be missed in the coming hockey seasons.
Everyone who knew Rob has shared a laugh or been on the receiving end of his pranks. Rob recently became a grandpa to Sawyer, whom he loved dearly. He always said he couldn’t wait until she got old enough so that he could take her for car rides.
Rob will be missed by his family, Shoal Lake community members, many friends and family in Lloydminster and Southern Saskatchewan.
On behalf of Robs family, we want to express our gratitude to Lake of the Woods Doctors and Nurses, WNHAC Nurses and Staff, Pastor Frank, Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre staff, Chief and Council, Kari-Anne and everyone at Kenora Chiefs Advisory, his boss Doreen, Connie, Kara, and Cami for fundraising, good friend Tanya Perrault, Harmony and Don for their donations and everyone else who offered support through visiting, cooking, donations and fundraising efforts.
A Wake service will be held in Shoal Lake #40 FN Band Office Gymnasium starting at noon on Saturday, June 14th. Pastor Frank will be officiating a funeral service on Sunday, June 15th, 2025, beginning at 3:00pm