The Reverend Doctor Gordon John Freer

The Reverend Doctor Gordon John Freer died on August 14, 2024, at Andy’s House in Port Carling, Ontario, in his 97th year.

Gordon was born on July 23, 1927, in Climax, Saskatchewan, the son of the Reverend Dorman Elijah Freer and Julia Freer. He was a child of the prairies with memories dominated by drought, dust, grasshoppers, compassionate people, and the wonders of the Saskatchewan sky.

He completed a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy (1951) from United College in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and then a Bachelor of Arts in Divinity (1957). Gordon attended Harvard University where he studied under Paul Tillich, one of the world’s foremost theologians, earning his Master of Arts in Theology (1958). In 1980, Gordon completed his doctoral degree at the University of Toronto.

While at United College, Gordon met Arlie Georgina Welsh, the love of his life, his closest friend, ardent supporter, and his wise counselor. They were married on August 8, 1951, in Flin Flon, Manitoba, and this past August, were together for their 73rd wedding anniversary. 

Following his ordination in 1951, the newly married couple were posted to Emerson, Manitoba, where he had the honour of helping to found a United Church in the nearby Mennonite community of Altona. The request for the church came from veterans who had served in World War II and from other Mennonite families. While studying at Harvard University, he served Riverside Congregational Church in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Returning to Canada, Gordon was the associate minister at High Park United Church in Toronto’s west end. In 1960, he was called to become one of the managing editors for the New Curriculum program at the United Church’s national office. In twenty-nine years of service, he worked as an educational planner, writer, event organizer, and editor of programs such as Kergyma. As a frequent speaker at United Church events and a delegate to The World Council of Churches when it met in Romania, travel was much a part of his life. In retirement, he continued his studies in science and theology as well as exploring his artistic interests as a stone carver. 

In 2002, Gordon and Arlie moved to Bracebridge, a community they embraced for the friends they made. 

Gordon is survived by his wife Arlie, daughters Cathy and Elene, grandson Chris (Robyn), great-grandchildren Mitchell, Chloe, Julia, and Andrew, sister Judy Johnson (Warren), nephew Paul Johnson, niece Carolyn Johnson McNarry (Mike), and great-nephew Brayden. 

A Service of Remembrance & Reflection for the Life of The Reverend Doctor Gordon John Freer will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 2pm at Reynolds Funeral Home – Turner, Chapel, 1 Mary Street, Bracebridge. For people who want to visit with the family refreshments and food will be available after the service. The service will be available for livestreaming at this link https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=3d166668-c2b0-41b9-a0ea-9cd353be8822 Please Note: Before you can view the Memorial Service, you will need to register and determine what method/device you will view the service as a guest (email or text).  The link provided above will instruct you before you can view the livestream service.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice Muskoka-Andy’s House (Port Carling) or the Manna Food Bank (Bracebridge).