Freer, Ernest “Stan”
February 27, 1933 ~ July 26, 2025
Ernest Stanley Freer passed away on Saturday July 26th, 2025 at the age of 92. Beloved husband of the late Shirley Freer (2022). Loving father of Cheryl (Dennis 2011) Kelly, Fred Freer, Charlene (Gary) Waters. Cherished grandfather of Kyle (Josée) Kelly, Danica (Nicholas) Prangley, Cole Freer, Dylan (Cassidy) Waters, Karley Waters. Special great-grandfather to Keign, Hudson, Nixon, Morgan, Katelyn, Camden & Reid. Survived by sister Maxine MacKellar and predeceased by brothers Raymond and Maxwell, parents Ernest and Mabel. Stan was born on the family farm on Rokeby Line in 1933— the same place he would proudly call home for all of his 92 years. From the very beginning, farming was in his blood. At just 16 years old, Stan discovered a passion that would shape much of his life: Standardbred horse racing. He began training and driving his own racehorse, Leta Lee, taking to the tracks of Detroit, Michigan, with determination. His love of horses never faded, and his skill and intuition with animals became a hallmark of his life’s work as a dairy cattle and cash crop farmer. Not long after his racing adventures began, Stan proposed to Shirley Mills and they were married in 1956. The newlyweds made their home on the Rokeby farm, where they would raise a family and share a lifetime of memories. Stan had a nickname and a story for everyone he met. He never missed a chance to pull up a chair, and make a new friend. His warmth and generosity made him approachable to all, and he lived by a simple truth he often shared with his great-grandchildren: “You can never have too many friends.” He shared a lifelong love story with his wife Shirley. Together, they embraced the joy of travel, and for over 35 years, they travelled to Mexico. There, they built a wide circle of friends from around the world, drawn to their warmth, kindness, and easygoing natures. Their time in Mexico became a cherished chapter of their lives, filled with laughter and stories. His presence was a quiet but steady reminder of the importance of purpose, and a love for the simple things. Stan will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him. The family would like to express their gratitude to Lambton EMT and the Emergency Department at Bluewater Health C.E.E.
There will be no visitation or services at the funeral home.
Donations of sympathy may be expressed to Bluewater Health Foundation http://www.bwhf.ca or Diabetes http://www.diabetes.ca
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Condolences (27)
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Dear Cheryl & family
Sending my sincere condolences at this sad & difficult time
To Cheryl & all family,
So sorry to hear of your father’s passing. He sounded like an amazing man and father. My condolences to all.
My condolences to the Freervfamily and friends… Stan and Shirley had a huge sense of humour… loved watching the horses run. Did he still have the goats?
We wish to extend our sincere condolences on the loss of Stan, a long time great neighbour who loved to have a visit when we met up with him. Thinking of you all at this sad time. Another 8th line neighbour to pass in a short time – so sad. Marion and Gord
Our condolences & sympathy to
Cheryl, Fred & Charlene & family
In your loss of your Dad !
Stan always had a smile & ready
for a visit 💕
Elaine Hyatt & family
My condolences to the Freer Family
I was shocked to see that Stan had passed away. Wasn’t it just last week Cheryl that we were chatting at the hospital and he said he was going to be around for a while!!. We never know what God has in store for us. Do we! My heart goes out to each and everyone of you, because I know he will be missed. RIP. Stan
We were so sorry to hear of Stan’s passing. Some of my best memories growing up were spent at the farm running through the haymow and riding the ponies. Stan always had a story to share, and more often a joke to tell. He will be missed.
Cheryl, Fred, Charlene and families so sorry to hear about Stan’s passing. I saw your dad at the horse races last summer, had a great visit. Thinking of you all.
Cheryl, Charlene, Fred and the rest of the family, we were so sorry to hear of Stan’s passing. He will be deeply missed. We believe he is humbly smiling from above with this most eloquently-written obituary. His lifetime is so well captured. May you find peace in the memories you carry in within your hearts and knowing there was a grand reunion with his beloved Shirley and other family, friends and horses he treasured. Heaven just gained another good one.
To all of Stan’s Family
I remember Stan while growing up, and loved reading the amazing legacy he left behind. Hope your cherished memories help you through this time of grieving.
Our deepest condolences to all the family
So many memories
Thinking of all of you at this time
Brenda (Mills) O’Mara
Pat Mills
Sending deepest sympathy to Cheryl and Charlene and families. Thinking of you all at this difficult time. We heard lots of stories from Stan when we vacationed at the same place in Mexico.
RIP Stan
Cathy & Tony Bourque
Sending our sympathy to all for the loss of your Father Stan
Leo ,Mary Lynne Deschamps and Family
A life well lived.
My deepest condolences to Cheryl, Kyle, Danica and families.
May Stan Rest in Peace.
Cheryl, Fred and Charlene
Sorry to hear of Stan’s passing.
Condolences to all of your family
Mark and Gail Freer
This gentleman has left a big array of memories with many many stories and these memories will live on in his kids ,grandkids and great grandkids.You will be in our thoughts !
To the Freer Family
We send our condolences and prayers to all of his families.
To the Freer family,
So sorry to read about the passing of your husband/father/father-in-law/grandfather/brother, Stan. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. May pleasant memories bring you peace.
Michael and Cathy
My sympathy to Stan’s family. He was such a likeable person. He always had a smile.
Thinking of you at this difficult time
Barb Campbell
I was very saddened to hear of Stan’s passing. We had our last good visit at Hiawatha Horse Park one evening when I was racing there. He was always the same fella everytime I’d meet him. My condolences to his family. . Rest in peace Stan!
Saddened to hear of Stan’s passing. Many people will have a number of stories through the years about him and will give them a chuckle. God be with you and give you comfort at this time. Alan and Marie Stephenson’
Cheryl Fred Charlene sending my condolences to you and your families , we have lots of happy memories Delores
Cheryl Fred and Charlene sending my condolences to you and your families we all share lots of happy memories Delores
sending our sympathy to Stan’s family. Always good to chit chat with him.
Cheryl and family, so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. Cherish the memories you had with him! Rick and Patsy
Cheryl , Fred , Charlene plus your Entire Families so sorry to read this thinking of you all at this difficult time . He will definitely be missed but your Mom will be there waiting with open arms . Hugs to everyone ! Love Always Maureen Bailey and Family xoxo