David Freeman Obituary

Every season that I pull lifeguard and swim instructor for young children in Skokie includes a great memory of Dave and Beth. Many new swim lesson children are afraid to jump and submerge into 5 feet of water. I have to speak to them first and promise that a slow motion assisted jump will only take them above the surface of the water. We do more slow motions until they submerge nose deep. It takes awhile, or more days before they are ready to slow motion into the water and soon they will submerge very in and out very fast. Break time finds me in the steam room, recalling the first time going up to tall roof walls, to jump down to the next roof. "I can't." I would say it looks too high. Several visits to this and other garage roofs found me standing on a high ledge, next to Beth,who told me swing my arms back and forth and push off the ledge on the third arm swing. She went first, and shouted "Just go, and remember to bend your knees." It was over before landing on the roof, and after that it was fun to become airborne for just a few seconds. I would visit this garage ledge alone, for years after, even in high school just to jump. Sometimes the parents of children tell me how happy their child is, and that they are not so shy or glued to the television any more after being in my swim classes. I go into the steam room some times, and think about the confidence that Dave and Beth gave me from jumping garages. Yeah, I break down, and spill a lot of tears cause nobody can see in the heavy steam. Out on the pool deck and in the water is no room to show weakness or to show fear around the children I teach. Even the moments when others would call me a chicken for not jumping in or diving into the Fullerton Bridge water come back. Dave spoke out every time, saying, "I seen you and you can't swim that good don't go in, and stay by the edge and watch out stuff." Yeah, this memory returns when I tell the children to watch for others, safety first, before jumping far out from the wall. Those who are afraid or nervous are told not to go in the water if they feel sick or if they do not feel safe for any reason. Only a fool takes chances in the water, and a real champion plays it safe. Oh yeah, I don't need a lifeguard whistle during class instruction, the whistle which was given to me is very loud and echoes in the indoor swimming pool area. That's what I am doing these days. Dave is always around. Peppy

A small child was crying in a local thrift store. The Donald Duck sneeze with a Donald Duck sounding happy birthday song had the child, the mom, and other nearby persons laughing. The child stopped crying and waved for me to stay and do it some more. I had a face mask, but I always cover my face when I do that. How many children have laughed and got some happiness from this, no idea. Dave showed me how to do this, among many other skills such as whistling and construction just to name some. The last addition to my dream catcher tattoo on my chest features a flame on the tip and on the end of each crossed arrow. Those two flaming arrows stand for something known to me only, the meeting and the friendship lit at Troop 23 Boy Scout Troop Dave and I were a part of. Like the flaming arrows, which burn bright, dim sometimes, and could be taken for granted at times there was always something to reignite the flames even after pride, shame, and even when each arrows destiny was to serve somewhere else. Crossed arrows in some tribes signify friendship, in a different sense of the word. It means welcome but be cautious not to disrespect where you are a guest. My mother passed away a few months ago; as a result of an injury from fall. She had been suffering from apnea but would have lived longer if not for her accident. My parents and family all like Dave, and would always ask about him even as we were much older. I dream about the Freeman apartment on Lincoln and Lill where Skippy and I would sit next to the open second story window. Mrs. Freeman sits on the couch with Dave's sisters who wake me up when its time for me to go meet my mom at Pee Wee's Tacos at closing time. My first dream about Dave featured a dim tavern lounge where he walks in from another room. He doesn't talk, but is cheerful as usual, and sort of nods to indicate I"ll catch you later before he walks away towards a brightly lit section where only he is supposed to work in there. Thanks so much for thinking about me, and contact me anytime. I finally finished college a couple and half years ago. Every time I go swimming is an occasional memory of fullerton bridge by the lake. All of the guys were jumping off and diving. Chicken and dares were tossed at me for not trying to do it also. Dave stepped in and said that I would watch everybody's stuff along the banks of the river. I don't know how to swim or dive he told me. I went in along the edge and sort of swam a few strokes and floated around but not for very long. We watched a couple of persons get pulled out of the water that summer after diving off the bridge. See what I mean, there are pipes under there, and there is no such thing as beginner's luck. A movie I saw says it well. "I will never have the kind of friends like the ones I had growing up." Bruce Lee once said that he always felt safe knowing that his friends were always there if he needed them." Jose Pepe Zamora

David
Thank you for being a true friend to me and a loving husband and father to Patricia, Tina, Dwayne, and Jennifer. I cherish in my heart forever the many years of long talks, laughter and wonderful memories we all shared.
Thank you for being a part of my life.
Rest In Peace
-/–{@

There is a candle burning, with a glass of water, and a plate on my living room table all night long. Some Latins, and many Indians know of this, an honor which is sacred.

There is much I want to say, and yet I feel strongly that there is much healing, quiet time, and respect for your family, Dave.

Distance, responsibility, and a strong admiration with serious respect for your home life has never kept the love, the friendship, and a lot of learning far from my life.

Whistling for a taxi, whenever I see a lady in need of one, never fails to bring a smile to my face. One of many skills learned from Dave, and Beth.

My parents, as hard as they tried to appear strong, looked very sad when they informed me just yesterday evening.

Every long hike for boredom, with a surprise treasure hunt from a dumpster, brings back very special memories of trailblazing with Beth, and you. I often feel as if the both of you are walking next to me, and this feeling will last forever.

Catch you later, that was when we were boys, we are men now, and not just because you were more than like a brother, and a friend, but also a great man that I hope to be like every day.

Everyone was sad, at my parents, and the young ones also since they mostly remember you as Pepe's friend.

I wish I could say that even the longest journey will begin with but a single footstep, or take nothing but memories and leave nothing but footprints, but how can I begin to feel your families emotions. My most sincere, and deepest condolences goes out to all your family.

Jose Peppy Zamora

I will never forget going to the house and being offered big bear hugs just because :) The Lord has taken away a great man and father. May he rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Rest in peace Mr. Freeman! U will always and forever be in my thoughts.

You will be missed so much! We love you and you will be in our hearts forever. Love, Kim and Justin

I was very saddened to hear of Dave's passing. I talked with him often in the course of business with Midwest. He always had a very upbeat personality that would cheer up the gloomiest of days. He will be missed by so many people.
My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Karen Frank, Plainfield IL

You will always be with me forever and always love you dad

Your humor will never be forgotten! R.I.P.