Obituary of Mr. John Alexander Freer

In the early morning of Saturday, October 28, 2023, Jack Freer, 86, went to meet his heavenly Father, after complications due to a fall. He will be missed by his wife, Margaret, who he had the honour of loving for the past 20 years; his children Vernon (Monika) and Shawn (Karin); his grandchildren Meagan, Joshua (Hope), Isaac (Sarah), Simon, Liam (Laura) and Nicholas (Rebecca); and great-grandchildren Abigail and Ainsley. He will also be missed by Marg’s children, Gorden (Vickie), Colleen (Ted), Anita (Mike) Jacqueline (Brian), and their children. He was predeceased by his first wife, Elizabeth Louise “Betty” Freer (2000).
Jack was born in Pointe-St.-Charles, Montreal, and came to Toronto on a box car with his dad. He proved to be very resourceful, finding work wherever it presented itself including working as a paperboy at Broadview and Danforth among other small jobs. Eventually he started an apprenticeship at a barbershop on Broadview and later began working at a small barbershop located at the corner of Woodbine and Cosburn. He would develop his barbering—and listening—skills over the next almost 70 years. Affectionately known to all as “Jack the Barber” he was an integral part of the East York community, welcoming three generations of customers. And many of his customers became good friends, visiting him and Marg at their home and cottage. He loved Jesus and actively shared his faith at every opportunity.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Sunnybrook for the care and compassion shown.
Jack’s family and friends are invited to Ogden Funeral Homes, 4164 Sheppard Avenue East, Agincourt, for visitation on Thursday, November 2, 2023 from 2 pm to 4 pm and 6 pm to 8 pm. A service celebrating his life will be held on Friday, November 3, 2023 at 11 am followed by a reception at the funeral home. Interment at Highland Memory Gardens, North York. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (www.sunnybrook.ca), Parkinson Canada (www.parkinson.ca) or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.