Dick (Richard) Malcolm Freeborough

Aka – Dad, Papa, Grandpa, Uncle Dick

Passed away peacefully on Tuesday January 27th surrounded by his family. He leaves behind his wife of 57 years Diane, his children Jeff (Carrie), Christine, and Andrea (Justin), his beloved grandchildren, Madeline and Tyler and his sister Margaret. He is predeceased by his sisters Anne, Dinah and Jill.

Dick was born in 1942 in Sydney, Australia to Mac and Elma Freeborough – one of 5 children, the youngest boy with four older sisters. After living in Australia, South Africa and England, the family settled in Montreal. He attended Bishops College School and then got a business degree from McGill University. He met Diane in 1966 but was a man on the town at the time and it took him some time to realize she was the one. They started dating on a Friday the 13th in 1967 and then rest was history. When you know you know and they were married a year later. After many years in Montreal, Dick and Diane moved their family to Toronto in 1982 settling in Oakville.

Dick had a long-lasting career at KPMG for almost 40 years where he rose the ranks quickly and was promoted to partner at the young age of 30. He went on to lead the insurance practice and become deputy chair of the firm. He will be fondly remembered by all of his colleagues from his KPMG years. He was named a Fellow CA, a rare honour which his daughter Andrea also received and was recognized for days before he passed.

Dick “retired” and embarked on a whole new career of board governance serving on multiple boards, including Foresters Financial, RGA, ACE INA Insurance, and most recently Definity Financial Corp where his contributions are being honoured with a scholarship in his name. Dick also generously gave back with many philanthropic governance positions including at University of Guelph, Oakville Trafalgar Hospital Foundation, Tafelmusik, and Toronto Mendelssohn Choir.

Dick was the consummate professional. Reasonable. Steady. Commanding but compassionate. His reach was broad – he touched so many peoples lives and careers. A master networker and relationship builder. Always interested to talk to people and mentor anyone and everyone. He was patient, thoughtful and always embodied the utmost integrity.

Dick had a thirst for learning and to prove his knowledge of all things. He loved all games. Scrabble, crosswords, cribbage, and any card game. He also loved driving fast and his fast car. But of all hobbies, he loved golf the most. Over his golf career he had an impressive 4 holes in one and was lucky enough to play on some of the best golf courses in the world. He loved his golf community both in Palmira, Florida and at Mississaugua Golf Course and will be terribly missed by his golf buddies at both.

Most importantly, he was an amazing family man. A wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He set the bar high with his expectations of his children but there was no one more proud of their accomplishments.

Special thank-you to Princess Marget Hospital. Dr. Yee, the blue pod nurses, and everyone on14A especially the kind care from the nurses and PA Kristy.

A visitation will take place on Sunday February 8th from 2-5pm at Kopriva Taylor, 64 Lakeshore Rd West, Oakville. A celebration of life will follow in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation: supportthepmcf.ca or the charity of your choice.