Obituary of Arvin Raymond Freeman

Arvin Raymond Freeman, 77, passed away August 24, 2019 at home in Olympia, Washington.  He was born June 18, 1942, in Portland, Oregon, where he grew up and graduated from Park Rose High School in 1960.  In 1962, Arvin married Rose Sylvester; ten years later, Robert was born, followed by Timothy.  Several years later, they were divorced.

 

In the 1970s, Arvin moved his family to Southern California, where he worked as an aerospace machinist.  He enjoyed his profession, even the long hours.  In 1993, his family returned to Oregon.

 

In 2004, Arvin met Janet Apple and, in 2006, they married and moved to Lake Oswego, Oregon, until his retirement in 2007.  After that, they moved to Olympia, where Janet had a condo.  At first, retirement was difficult for Arvin, but soon he started enjoying his hobbies:  building computers, landscaping, crossword puzzles, and reading.  He seldom missed a Seattle Seahawks or Oregon Ducks game.  Arvin and Janet loved traveling and attending grandkids’ special events.  Stacia was in gymnastics (No.1 in Oregon in 2013), Katie and Dana were rodeo queens.  Janet and Arvin loved history, museums, historical sites and, of course, visiting family.

 

Arvin always enjoyed good health.  In fact, from first to ninth grades, he only missed three days of school, and was never tardy.  Everything changed in May 2016 when he suffered a massive stroke, which paralyzed his left side.  He could no longer swallow or talk, and he became nauseated when moved.  When family was told he had no chance of survival, he was sent to nursing facilities, only to be sent back to the hospital.  He almost died in three facilities.  Janet finally decided he’d better come home with her.  With the help of caregivers, he was home for two and a half years.  His mind was sharp, and he could hear and respond.  He remained cheerful.  His courage will not be forgotten.

 

Arvin’s faith in God and prayer was with him always.  Each night when the caregivers went home, Janet sang his favorite hymns, The Old Rugged Cross and In the Garden, which they both sang as young people.  They also prayed together. This brought peace and joy to both of them.

 

Arvin leaves behind his loving wife, Janet; sons, Robert (Christina), and Timothy; grandsons, Andrew and James Freeman; and stepchildren, Tonya Jepson (Rick) and Timothy Apple (Tamara).  He also is survived by step grandchildren, Anastacia and Alex Apple; Katie Blanc (Gage); Alissa, Billy, and Kathryn Jacob; Dana Arguinzoni (Peter). In addition, he leaves four greatgrandchildren; sister, Lynette Boone (Don); and brother, Lanis.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Violet and Ray; and a baby sister.

 

Interment at Masonic Memorial Park, 455 North St. SE, Tumwater, WA 98501.

 

A private service has been held.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Arvin Freeman, please visit Tribute Store