Joey (Joe) Freeman, 63

Joe was born July 22, 1959, in Pendleton, Ore., to James Doyle Freeman and Ralene Alice Belle Bonali (Teri). He passed away peacefully Dec. 18, 2022, at home in West Richland, Wash., surrounded by family.

Joe is survived by his soulmate and wife, Kendy Freeman; his brother, Jay Freeman; and his children, Katie, Sarah, Sam, Tamber and Jeff; along with many grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family.

Joe worked toward mastery of whatever he chose to do, including a lifelong career in construction and excavation, understanding and communication, and relationships. Anything he decided to do deserved his full attention. He enjoyed mentoring and helping others grow into their potential. Joe took his time to understand others. Long pauses exemplified his thinking — sometimes excruciatingly long pauses. Ultimately, his response would reveal depth initially unknown to the questioner. Joe exemplified forgiveness and unconditional love, he kept these attributes as foundations and built upon them throughout his life.

Some of Joe’s favorite things included traveling with his wife and family, philosophy, conversations exploring differing points of view, karaoke, mountain biking, building/construction/excavation, fishing, archery, wet-willies, exclaiming “oh, my eye!” at any potential assault, staying up all night with family, pride in his work, basketball gold-toed socks, licorice (red and black), pies, chicken enchiladas, reading and, most of all, faith. Whatever Joe was doing, he exemplified being “in,” in the zone, in the flow, no matter the activity, even introspection. Joe could balance a deep sense of seriousness with a playfulness that made life so much fun with him.

Often academics are first considered examples of teachers, but Joe taught many people through his interactions and by example. Accept the human, criticize the behavior applied to his coaching, on the construction site, and especially as a father/husband/grandfather/uncle/brother. His teachings live on in all who met him. Keep showing up. Do the work. Have fun. Accept yourself and others as imperfect humans

Rest in peace, Joe. We love and miss you.