Ricky Lee Freeman

Ricky Lee Freeman June 14, 1960   March 19, 2018 Stayton, Oregon Rick L. Freeman passed away on March 19, 2018 in Stayton, Oregon at the age of 57. Rick was born on June 14, 1960 in Brawley, California to Walter and Evelyn (Strickland) Freeman. During high school Rick enjoyed playing football, participating on the track team and riding motorcycles. Football was always a huge part of his life, and he was a long time Chargers fan. He graduated from Brawley Union High School and attended some college. In the early 90’s Rick moved from California to Oregon so he could be closer to family. He worked at Doerfler Farm’s, and most recently worked at D & W Automotive in Sublimity, Oregon where he made many friends from the last 25 years of working the counter helping folks. His hard work and dedication was seen by many and every customer became a friend due to Rick’s friendly and welcoming demeanor. He met Kathi while working together in the late 90’s. In 2007, their families combined and he welcomed her children as his own. They were married in 2015. They enjoyed spending time together whether it was camping, movies or visiting with their friends. Ricks mother-in-law Pat would say, “He was the perfect son-in-law”. Family was most important to Rick; he would host family game or movie nights and most of all he loved time with grandbabies. He was their ‘Papa’ and he was always available to change a diaper or babysit. Rick enjoyed chess and he was quite competitive at it, playing Wii golf and discussing politics- he was a true Trump fan. He also loved to read; HIs favorite authors being Stephen King and Dean Koontz. Rick will be remembered for his infectious laugh, welcoming spirit and generous nature. People would always remark at what a loveable guy Rick was. He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Evelyn, and his brothers Charles and Jeff. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathi; children, Nikki, Amanda, John, Emilie, Jenn and Chad; sisters, Judy and Maudi; mother-in-law Pat Stasek, father- and mother-in-law John and Mae Hampton, as well as his grandbabies Hailee, Harper, Addison and Torrin. He will forever be missed.