John Freeman (28 Aug 1945 - 19 Feb 2026)

John, a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, friend and neighbour has passed away peacefully at home after a long illness. Prior to becoming unwell John had been a fit and active man all his life, playing golf, cycling and taking huge pride in his job as a joiner. He was still using his considerable skills to create, and to help friends and neighbours into his 70's. John was thought of fondly by all for his kind and gentle manner, and for his ability to be quietly cheeky and make those closest to him laugh.

As well as continuing to work happily in his shed after his retirement, John continued to enjoy a love of all things to do with flying. As a boy in the late 1950's he won a TV competition to have a plane flight in southern England (a long journey for a young boy from North East Scotland). Since then his airborne adventures continued, having rides in a tiger moth, a helicopter and a hot air balloon to name a few, as well as experiencing the world's fastest zip line in his early 70's, and taking a microlite flight for his 78th birthday. It was around this time that John unfortunately had to stop giving blood, something which he had done 140 times. We encourage anyone who hasn't given blood before to think about doing so.

Another great pleasure for John was reading. He still had the books he had won as prizes for his school work, and was reading contentedly in bed on his very last day.

The extraordinary staff at The Nottinghamshire Hospice are community based and available to support families in their home 24 hours a day when needed. They rely entirely on donations to continue this valued work.

Swifts are a bird John had always been fascinated by, for their continuous airborne existence. He would eagerly await their return and spend many happy summer hours watching (and frustratedly counting) them. Their population in the UK has reduced by approximately 50% in the past 10 years, and it would make John happy that we were doing a little bit to protect them. We hope that whenever or wherever you see one next you will look up and smile.

With love and thanks for anything you're able to donate,

Margaret and Lynn