Obituary of Steve Freeman

It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of (Richard) Stephen Freeman.  Steve passed away peacefully at his home in Thornhill, Ontario on Monday, April 13, 2026.

Steve was born in New Glasgow and was predeceased by his parents Doug and Ruth (Rand) Freeman, and his sister, Shelley Freeman.  Steve is survived by his partner, Natalia; stepchildren, Julia (Johnny) and Eugene (Drue); brothers, Michael (Angie) and Deryk (Juleanna); nieces, Victoria and Rebecca; nephews, Travis and Mohammad; grandson, Nathan; great niece, Luna. 

Steve was a skilled mechanic who was fortunate to have learned a lot from his mentor and friend the late Charlie Matheson. 

Steve left Nova Scotia for Ontario in the early 90’s where he continued to establish himself as a master mechanic which grew to him having his own shop – East Coast Automotive Repair on the corner of Keele and Shepard. 

True to Steve’s personality he quickly developed an “away family” of very good friends and the shop quickly became a daily gathering place of his close friends, Donnie, Lucca, Joe, Tony, Frank and Paul (who worked with Steve for many years).

Also true to Steve’s personality, he always looked after and would do anything for his family and friends but not himself.   Unfortunately, this led to Steve having some health issues that ultimately over time took him from us.

Steve was a great man.  Liked by many and deeply loved by those close to him.

The sadness, grief and pain of his loss will affect many of us for a long, long time to come.

A celebration of life wil be held 2-4 p.m. Friday, May 15 in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home, New Glasgow with Words of Comfort by Rev. Dr. Glen Matheson at 4 p.m.  Interment will follow in Heatherdale Memorial Gardens.

No flowers by request of the family.   Donations may be made in Steve’s memory to the Pictou County SPCA.

Lovingly submitted by family.