Thomas Timothy Freedman

Published 10:14 am Monday, July 22, 2024

Thomas Timothy Freedman

November 20, 1942 – July 7, 2024

Tom Freedman was born in Portland, Oregon, on November 20, 1942. His mother, Thelma Cronin, grew up in Powell Butte and after the death of his father when he was three years old, they returned to Powell Butte. Tom graduated 8th grade from the Powell Butte school and went to Redmond Union High School, where he played football, graduating in 1960. He enrolled at Oregon State University where he was a member of the Theta Xi fraternity. Tom transferred to the University of Oregon and earned a bachelor’s degree in statistics and accounting. After graduating in 1965, he moved to Portland, Oregon, and became a certified public accountant, joining the firm of Erickson Eiseman and Company. In 1967, Tom married Joien Fehrenbacher from Lone Pine, Oregon. After living in Portland for a few years, they returned to Central Oregon. Tom joined Les Schwab Tire Centers in 1971 as controller, eventually becoming the company’s first Chief Financial Officer. For more than 30 years he helped lead the company as it expanded throughout the Northwest and beyond. Working alongside Les was one of his life’s privileges. After retiring from Les Schwab, Tom served on their board of directors for 20 years, guiding the next generation. He also helped raise funding for the Old Mill District and served on the St. Charles board of directors. Tom and Joien lived in Prineville for many years, raising three children, golfing at the country club, and enjoying the small-town community. In 2005, they moved to Bend and spent the last two decades hiking, kayaking, and traveling. Tom was a devoted husband and father. He and Joien were married for 54 years before she passed in 2022. He was known for his kindness, intelligence and dry sense of humor. He loved life and looked forward to every day until his last. Surrounded by his family, Tom passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 7. His mother, father Sam Freedman, and brother Joe Freedman preceded him in death. He is survived by his son, Thomas “Tommy” Freedman, Jr.; his daughters, Sara Freedman (Ian Costello) and Mindy Brook; and his grandchildren, Andrew and Grace Brook. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Destination Rehab.