Ed Freed was born on April 11, 1934 to Ernest and Lena (nee Anderson) Freed at Dubuc, SK. Ed was raised on the family farm along with his brother, Ken and sister, Bernice. His early years were spent helping on the farm, especially tending to the horses. He participated in all the functions held at Freedhome Hall, including a play in his teenage years. After completing his education, he left home at an early age. Ed was a man of many talents and worked near and far. His employment history included positions in Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Kitimat, BC and Yorkton. He worked at the aluminum smelting plant and as a long shoreman. For a time he managed the Blackstone Hotel, owned and operated Yorkton's first pizza restaurant, Pizza Plenty, sold farm equipment, drilled wells, operated a backhoe and was employed at IMC. Eventually, Ed discovered the world of auctions and immediately fell in love with that whole way of life. In 1986, he proudly graduated as an auctioneer from the World Wide College of Auctioneering at Mason City, Iowa. A short time later he established his own auction company, how most people came to know him best. As one of his greatest achievements, he successfully operated Stampede Auction Ltd. for 20 years until his retirement. The auction was not only his business, it was where he met some of his closest friends and best acquaintances. During his time there, he acquired many friends and never forgot those who helped him along the way when help was needed. He was also an active member of the Sask Auctioneers Association and enjoyed attending the yearly conventions. Outside of work, Ed loved being outside and exploring the countryside. Harvest season was Ed's favourite time of year, and he loved helping area farmers get their crops off with his beloved Ford combine. On Sundays, he and Phyllis often packed a lunch and took a drive through the valley, past Round and Crooked Lakes, always stopping to fill a bottle of their fresh spring water. After his retirement, he spent time maintaining his home and yard, but of course always found time to attend auction sales. Ed was predeceased by his father, Ernest; his mother, Lena; sister, Bernice and brother-in-law, Matt Karcha. He leaves to mourn his passing his best friend and partner of 21 years, Phyllis; his daughter, Sandra (Chris Hergott) of St. Albert; his son, Dwight of Toronto; his brother, Ken (Eileen) of Regina; his grandsons, Mark (Stephanie) of Calgary, Ryan (Chantelle) of Calgary, granddaughters, Mallory (Joshua Court) of Hamilton, Ashley (Brendon Eaglesham) and their two sons, Beckham and Crew of Edmonton. The accomplishments of Ed's family made him a proud father, grandfather, and even prouder great-grandfather. Ed also leaves to mourn his extended family, Corry (Adrian) and their two children, Erin and Spencer of Yorkton, Camie of Ottawa, Carla and her son, Brendon of Calgary and Connie of Vancouver. He is also remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, many good friends and close neighbours. A Celebration of Ed's Life was held on Friday, June 5, 2015 from the Chapel of Christie's Funeral Home in Yorkton, SK with Kathy Novak serving as the Funeral Celebrant. Words of tribute and eulogy were shared by family friend, Paul Moore. Special taped music selections included instrumental music by Pablo Arellano, "Hallelujah" as sung by Bon Jovi, "Thank You" by Johnny Reid and "I Will Remember You" by Sarah McLachlan. All those who shared in Ed's life were invited to serve as honourary pall bearers and the urn bearer was Ed's son, Dwight Freed. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
