Kenneth Wilfred FREETHY

Ken Freethy late of Rosetown, SK passed away on February 15, 2023 at the age of 76 years.

Ken was born April 7, 1946 and grew up in the farming community of Rosetown. He began his early school years at Eagle Crest School which involved him and his sister Judy taking the horse to and from school at the young age of six. He then continued his school years in Rosetown, during these years he, Judy and friends enjoyed horses, cars, and music. It was not uncommon to go the Freethy house when Ken was growing up where the music played loud with so much joy and various instruments all around the piano.  Ken continued that passion right throughout his adult life; last time playing the guitar was at his dear sister Judy’s funeral last summer. It was clear from Ken’s early years that being on the farm, animals and country life were for him. He took over the family farm and continued to work there and for various farmers throughout his entire life. Kens passion for dirt and tractors led him to running heavy equipment, starting at Thompson Construction and ending those heavy equipment days being the foreman for the RM of Marriott. He was heavily involved as Councilman for the RM for 18 years as well. Ken handled everything in life with such grace, love, laughter, and strength. Anyone that met Ken, whether it was brief or for a lifetime, knows he had the kindest most caring heart, you couldn’t help but smile and feel so amazing around him. Not to forget he would also be able to give you your family history right down to the land location.

In 1969, Ken met the love of his life, his best friend, Elaine Imlach. Together they shared many hours of conversations and fun; they enjoyed each other’s company and creating a beautiful life full of great times with family and friends. Ken and Elaine enjoyed the first few years of marriage travelling and building a relationship that most people dream of. In 1978, their dream of having a family began with the arrival of their son Scott; Raelyn in 1980 and Brianne in 1987. 

Ken was always lovingly supportive of his children’s involvement in dancing, singing and piano; making many miles around Saskatchewan then expanding those miles to all over Canada. As his family grew up and grandchildren arrived his activity involvement grew to travelling many miles for hockey, football and baseball games cheering on his grandkids. Some of those miles didn’t have to go too far as he always enjoyed touring his two youngest grandsons through all the equipment and vehicle dealerships in Rosetown. Watching the excitement in their eyes as they passed by each piece of equipment, Papa was of course excited to teach them all the details. Nothing was more enjoyable than hopping in his truck and driving; whether it was to see his daughters and grandchildren or to visit numerous family members and friends for a quick visit, he loved to drive and “snoop” along the way. 

Ken leaves to cherish his memory his daughter Raelyn (Leon) Strutt and grandsons Ty, Connor, Kaden and grand-daughter Jocelyn; daughter Brianne (Jason Barna) Freethy and granddaughter Eliza and grandsons Harrison and Landon; brothers-in-law Bill (Donna) Imlach and Gerry (Colleen) Imlach; sisters-in-law Heather Longman and Connie Imlach, our dearest family friend Brenda Longhurst as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife Elaine Freethy (2000), son Scott Freethy (2013), parents Bill (1967) & Nora (1985) Freethy and John (1988) & Margaret (1994) Imlach; sisters Pearl Medcoff Kinley (2001), Dora Tate (2005) and Judy Thompson (2022); brother-in-law and sisters-in-law Larry James Imlach (1975), infant Lorna Jean Imlach (1958), Rick Longman (1999) and Dick Reed (2019).

A Celebration of Ken’s Life will be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Rosetown United Church followed by a time of fellowship at the Rosetown Legion. Donations in memory of Ken may be directed to the Rosetown & District Health Centre Foundation Inc., P.O. Box 653, Rosetown, SK, S0L 2V0.