David Matthew Freake
May 25, 1986 to July 18, 2025
Obituary
The funeral Mass for David Freake will be livestreamed through the Basilica’s YouTube page for those unable to attend.
Please click HERE for the link.
It is with deep sorrow that the family of David Freake announces his unexpected passing on July 18th,2025 at the age of 39 in St. John’s.
Born on May 25th,1986 David was a loving son, a loyal friend and a dedicated athlete.
Leaving to mourn with broken hearts are his parents Eileen and Barry, his aunt Shelia, aunt Christine, uncle Doug, Mary (Ray Power), Theresa (Peter Morris), Clare (Rick Stamp), aunt Jean Kelly, uncles Pat (Marg deceased), Harold (Maureen deceased), Nick (Donna Marie) as well as many cherished friends and relatives throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and the U.K.
David is predeceased by his grandparents Ephrian and Pearl Freake and Mary and John Kelly, his uncle John Kelly and uncle Mike Kelly.
David was an optimist who found every obstacle that he encountered as his own personal challenge. He loved all sports, in particular ice hockey. However, his true passion was running and he continuously sought new challenges and opportunities to achieve his goals and dreams. David was happiest when he connected with his many friends in the running community of Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver and other Canadian cities.
While participating in numerous sports, David found a new challenge in writing nutritional narratives where he encouraged athletes to strive to eat nutritionally. This research work offered David new and inspiring challenges.
The family will receive visitors on Thursday, July 24th,2025 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at Carnell’s Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday morning at 11:00am at the Basilica of St. John The Baptist Cathedral Parish.
In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Parkinson Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.
https://nlparkinson.ca/donate/
David’s warmth, humor, and kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew him and loved him.
Always in our thoughts
And
Forever is our hearts
Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on July 24, 2025
7-9 p.m. on July 24, 2025
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
11:00am, Friday July 25th
The Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
I grew up on Powell Place, same age as David. When I was a certain single-digit age that I can’t recall, a few times I was over to your house playing games like Mouse Trap with him. It was fun times. A handful or two of years later I was in summer camp at the Aquarena and so was he. Even by then he seemed to really like running.. And was getting good at it.. Never had much interaction with him after that, but, I lived on Powell Place a long time. And every now and then up through 2024, after which I moved, I’d see him running in the neighbourhood. Always was a sort of reflective moment for me. Funny the ways a person can affect your life.
Never had anything bad to say about the fella. Very sorry for the tragedy of your loss. Thanks for letting little me play in your house decades ago.
To David’s family and relatives,, we were so sorry to hear about his passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
I am very sorry to see that David has passed. I remember him both as a very good runner and as a student at Holy Heart. My condolences.
Eileen, Barry , Kelly and Freak Families and his friends.
Extending sincere sympathies to you all as I read David’s death notice . Frank and I always admired David ‘s devotion and attendance at church. He sat opposite pew to us during mass at the Basilica.
You all are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Take care. May the gentle soul of David rest in peace.
Harriet Doyle
Eileen and Barry:
Please accept out deepest sympathies on the passing of your loving son. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this sorrowful time. May David rest in peace.
Bob and Betty
I am very sorry to hear of David’s death. My heartfelt sympathy to all family and friends..
So sorry to hear about the passing of your son. Condolences to you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. May he rest in peace 🙏🏼
Eileen and family ,
I saddened to hear of the loss of David . While I never met him, your love for him was evident. May God and Mary our mother bless you all as you mourn the loss of David ✝️. My heart breaks for you all . May the songs of the angels welcome David to his eternal home.. Sending you hugs and prayers 🙏
Eileen & Barry
So sorry to hear of David’s passing. Our sincerest condolences
Sean & Michelle Mooney
Greatly saddened to hear of David’s passing. He was a good man and an even better friend to many. He left a big impression whereever he went and he will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers for him, his family and all those lucky enough to know him.
Barry and Eileen.- so sorry to her of David’s passing.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you both.
Sorry to hear of David’s passing
Eileen and Barry…. I am just so saddened to get this news. I knew you and Barry loved David dearly. I can only imagine what you must be going through. Will keep you in my thoughts. May the Lord above wrap his loving arms around you to give you the strength to endure this .
Barry and Eileen , so very sorry to hear of your son David’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
Eileen,
I am so sorry to hear of David’s passing. By all accounts a wonderful son and young man. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Eileen and Barry. I am truly sorry to be reading about David’s death. Please accept my condolences. I know how much David has meant to you both and thoroughly enjoyed following him in all his athletic activities. May your warm memories keep you comforted the coming days ahead.
Love Lois
Eileen and Barry
We are so saddened to hear of David’s sudden passing.. . Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Barry and Eileen, We are saddened to hear of David’s passing. We have fond memories of David’s playing hockey and from many school events He was a kind and loving young man. Deepest sympathy.
Condolences to David’s family and friends during this extremely tough time. All the love and support
Eileen and Barry,
The news of David’s passing is heartbreaking. I have no words that can bring the slightest comfort except to say I will carry you in my heart from across the country. You have always been there for me since Paul died in 1991. It is sustained support that carries us through the years. God bless you both as you continue on life’s journey. Rest easy now, David. With much love and sympathy, Pat
To the Freake family , so sorry to hear about the passing of David. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Eileen and family. Please accept my sincere condolences. I remember David from the many road races that he participated in. He always wore a big smile and had a great team spirit. I am so sorry for your loss.
I’m very saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. I knew him through running and would see him in the running circle & would chat with him many times while training on the Pearson Loop over the years as I watched him in amazement as he flew by. He was such a talented runner and uncatchable for many…and always very kind. I hope you find some comfort in the memories.
Eileen & Barry, Words cannot express how sad I was to hear of David’s passing. I first got to know David through cello. On several occasions when his teacher Christina was away, he came to me for cello lessons. He was so enthusiastic and polite, I looked forward to each and every lesson. Later in life, whenever I’d see him around town, he’d always smile and say hello. I reconnected with him again later as a runner. He would run past my house nearly every day (sometimes twice a day). Whenever he was flying past me, he’d always say hello. David was a ferocious runner and like everything else he did, he did it with a heart and a half. He was a truly beautiful soul – I’ll never forget him.
Eileen and Barry,
Sending my heartfelt condolences to your family. David and I went to school together from K-12. Our Ecole St. Patrick group was a close-knit class, and I have many memories of David from those years.
One of my clearest memories is how active he was- whether it was soccer on the school field, sports day events, or dodgeball in gym class, his nature athleticism and competitive spirit made him someone you always wanted on your team.
Over the years he would send encouraging messages about my (very amateur) running. He treated my small accomplishments like they were such a big deal. I’ll always remember his kindness and the way he genuinely would cheer others on!
He was one of kind and brought humor, energy and a spark that will stay with many.
Julie Macdonald
grunert007@gmail.com
Eileen and Barry, I’m so sad to hear about David’s passing. I haven’t seen him in years but went to school with him throughout elementary and high school. His big brown eyes and smile displayed his kind and gentle nature. I remember him playing cello in elementary and being completely amazed that he could do that, and do it so well! He excelled at everything he did and you were both always so supportive of him. My deepest condolences for your loss.
Eileen and Barry, I was shocked and saddened to hear of David’s passing. As a mother of five I always say to lose a child must be the hardest cross a parent could possibly have to bear. I know the love and joy David brought to your lives will be forever in your hearts. I’m sure he couldn’t have had more proud and loving parents. My thoughts and prayers are with you as your shattered hearts grieve.
Maureen Harvey
Mr. and Mrs. Freake, please accept my most heartfelt condolences. The news of David’s passing has greatly saddened me. I have such fond memories of him as a sweet boy when he was in my class in Grade 4. He was friendly, keen, and fortunate to have such involved and loving parents. I remember the great pride you took in him and his accomplishments.
And then years later I caught up with him on social media and enjoyed his posts about his running.
I pray that the love and support of family & friends will bring you some comfort at this most difficult of times.
I am deeply saddened to learn of David’s passing. My thoughts are with his family and friends, and especially his very loving and supportive parents. May they find peace in this very difficult time. David was an incredible athlete and a very nice person, may his memory live on always. My sincere condolences
So saddened to hear of David’s passing. I can only imagine how broken-hearted you all are feeling. My prayers are with you all. Rest in peace, David.
Joan Kehoe
Mrs. Freake
Sending much love and support to you and your entire family during this most difficult time.. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers..
Gwen Carroll
Barry and Eileen,
I’m deeply sorry to hear about David. He was one of the kindest, most genuine people I’ve known — always warm, always bringing a sense of fun and lightness to any room he walked into.
One memory I’ve never forgotten is a birthday sleepover when we were kids. We stayed up all night watching Happy Gilmore on repeat, laughing like it was the first time every time. It’s one of those simple, perfect memories that’s stuck with me all these years.
Over time, I saw so many sides of David — whether it was playing music together in a concerto group, or on the ice and field as teammates in hockey and soccer. No matter the setting, the core of who he was never changed: a solid, kind, and thoughtful friend.
I’m truly sorry for your loss. I hope you find some comfort in knowing how many people were lucky to have known him and carry great memories of him — I know I do.
With heartfelt condolences,
Marcus
I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting David but I did, of course, know that he was a well loved member of my Freake family. How proud we all were to know that you, Barry and Eileen, had a son; that you Sheila and Christine had a nephew. Through the years when family occasions brought us together we hastened to get news of David – his growth and accomplishments. Now we, sadly, get the devastating news of his death. I can, at this time, hope and pray that you find whatever it takes to calm your spirit, soothe your soul, and bring you peace. With love and deepest sympathy for your whole family, Fannie (Freake) Simms
I was very saddened to hear the news of David’s passing. I have fond memories of him from our years together in K-12. David was always so friendly and wore the biggest smile. Sending my condolences to his parents, family and friends and wishing you strength during this difficult time.
Eileen and Barry, I am so sorry to hear of David’s passing my thoughts and prayers are with you both during this difficult time.
Auntie Eileen and Uncle Barry
I’m deeply saddened as we share our memories of David
Thinking of you with love and peace
Dear Eileen and Barry, I am so sorry to hear of David’s passing. We went to junior high together, and I always remember him as such a kind and positive person. He had a laugh and smile that would light up the room! Years later we connected again through the running community, and he was one of the first people to congratulate and encourage me on my race.
A super optimistic and encouraging person and athlete.
Sending my deepest condolences.
-Johanna
David was a bright well rounded student. He was a beautiful little boy with eyes and a smile that lit up our classroom. I remember him playing cello..
Years later when I met up with him again, he had become a dedicated long distance runner. His eyes and smile were still the same and he had all the time in the world to chat with his grade three teacher.
Eileen and Barry, I am so sorry to read your devastating news.
Sending my deepest condolences,
Yvonne Manning
Eileen and Barry, Our hearts are breaking for you. Thinking of you and sending our sincere condolences.
I ran with David in a few races he was a great runner sending prayers to family at this time.
Eileen and Barry,
There are no words. My deepest condolences.
Lorraine
We were so sorry to hear of David’s passing. His loss is so heart-breaking and tragic, especially with so much promise of things to achieve in his life. We send our prayers and support at this most difficult time.
When I was a new runner many moons ago, David would always see me out running in the East End. of St. John’s.. He would always take the time to stop and talk to me. He would also talk to me at post race receptions back in the day. The fact that an elite runner (David) could take the time to talk to me (total newbie at the time) speaks volumes about his true character. For this reason, he will always have a special pace in my heart. He was a genuine good guy who wanted to see everybody succeed. He will be missed!
Barry and Eileen
My sincere condolences to you
And your family. I trust the many great
Memories you have of your time with your son will help you through this difficult time
Dave brought such a kindness and generosity of spirit to his many friends in the Toronto running community. He had the warmth and energy of a golden retriever, always taking care to make sure everyone felt like part of the gang (as a shy person, I always appreciated this). Racing with him was a joy; he knew how to celebrate a win and smile through a setback. While I cannot fathom the depths of his family’s grief at this untimely loss, I hope they can take comfort in knowing that Dave will be fondly remembered by those who were fortunate to know him.
So sorry to hear of David’s Passing. It was always a pleasure to run into him and he always made time to have a little chat. He always had a big smile. Sincere sympathy and condolences. Tracey Cooper
My sincere condolences to Barry and his family. Our thoughts are with you and family during this difficult time. I say “ our “as myself and Buck are in Terra nova otherwise we would be there. We are here on the deck talking about the untimely passing of David and how we would have enjoyed taking him moose hunting in the fall for the first time.
Barry and Eileen, Our sincerest condolences to you both on the loss of your son. Our prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. God bless you both and take care. Rest in peace David.
My deepest condolences to Eileen and Barry.May all your wonderful memories bring you comfort during this heartbreaking time.
I’d like to share one of my memories with David. We were traveling in Toronto for a hockey tournament—I believe it was the Under-11 Select team. Barry and John took us to a market, where David tried his first apricot. His face lit up with joy, and I think we ate at least 20 that day. Although John insists it was a nectarine, I still claim it was an apricot!
It may seem like a small moment, but I’ll never forget David’s smile from over 20 years ago.
I know there are no words that can ease your pain. Just know that David’s smile will always be here for you, no matter what.
To Barry and Eileen
So sorry to hear of your sons passing. Please accept our deepest condolences and know that we are thinking of you at this very sad time.
Wayne & Winnie Tibbo
Eileen and Barry,
We were very sorry to hear about David’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
Eileen and Barry. I am so deeply sorry to hear of David’s passing. He was a wonderful son and athlete. We are thinking of you all in our thoughts and prayers.
To the Freake Family, I am saddened to read that David has passed away. I coached David in minor hockey and remember his “all out” style of play. He was always smiling or laughing and I remember back to the body checks he would receive but always got up and played on like nothing happened. He was one of the younger guys on the team but played his heart out every shift. RIP David
Dear Eileen and Barry, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of great sorrow and heartache. May you find strength in the days ahead and solace in knowing that David’s life, though far too short, was a life well lived.
Dean and Laura Williams
Dear Eileen and Barry, I am deeply sorry to hear of David’s passing. I cannot imagine the pain of such a loss. I hope you find strength in the love and support of those around you. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Eileen and Barry, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
I am so very sorry to hear of David’s passing. I remember him well as an awesome hockey player, but mostly as a friendly kid . Sincere Condolences to his family and friends.
Dear Eileen and Barry,
Our deepest condolences to you on David’s passing. Be assured that we hold you and David in our hearts and bring you before the Lord in our prayers. May our Families bring you comfort in your sorrow.
Aunt Eileen and Uncle Barry,
There are no words that can truly ease the pain of hearing about David’s passing. I can’t imagine the sorrow you’re feeling.
David was a determined spirit, who took the time to break down tasks and make them look easy and natural. Whether it was running marathons or helping others….he was incredibly talented.
Though his time with us was far too short, he touched the lives of many and left his own unique mark on the world.
In reading the condolences already posted here, you can truly understand just how special David was and the positive impact he had on those around him. May this and your treasured memories of David bring you comfort in years to come.
Unfortunately, I am away at sea and regret that I cannot be home during this difficult time. You are both in our thoughts, prayers and are held close to our hearts during this very difficult time. Rest in peace David.
Johnathon, Lori, Jack, Sarah, Braeden, Ben and Paige.
Eileen,Barry and all family members,
We are so saddened to hear of David’’s passing.
Our heartfelt thoughts go out to you at this very difficult time.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely Nick ,Bonnie ,and all members of the Power Family
Deepest sympathy to all members of David’s family
My thoughts and prayers are with You. I had fawn memories of played hockey and golf with David when we were younger.
Eileen and Barry,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your dear and precious son. I do remember you talking so proudly of him and his keen interest in sports. And I do remember you telling me of his musical ability. I am truly sorry for your loss. May his beautiful smile and treasured memories comfort you for years to come. Take care.
Eileen and Barry,
We are heartbroken over the passing of your precious son, David. As you know, Eileen, I filled in for you as Principal at O’Donel High School when David was born. I knew then that, like his parents, he would be a wonderful person and, indeed, he was! Please know that we are sending our love and prayers to you and all your family at this very difficult time. Rest in peace gentle soul, David!
John & Eleanor
Dear Aunt Eileen and Uncle Barry,
There are no words that can truly ease the pain hearing about David. My heart breaks for you and I can’t imagine the sorrow you’re feeling.
David had such a vibrant spirit—focused, kind, and full of quiet determination. Whether running marathons or simply sharing a moment, he brought a calm strength to everything he did. I know how special his visits to Florida were with you both, and I hope the memories from that time bring a bit of comfort. He was happiest when surrounded by love, and he had that with you always.
Though his time here was far too short, the love he gave and the lives he touched will live on. Please know I’m holding you both close in my heart, and sending you all my love, strength, and prayers.
John Paul
Barry and Eileen. Please accept our most sincere condolences on David’s passing. As a neighbour David was very respectful and mannerly and always went out of his way to speak with us. We were shocked when we heard the news and our heart goes out to you both as we know how close you were as a family. May the memories help you through this difficult time. God Bless
Eileen & family, my sincere condolences on the loss of your son. Thinking of you at this very sad time. May he rest in peace.
Eileen and Barry my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time .
Mary van Thiel
I met David in 2009. Such a great energy about him. We only chatted a few times then. Got him out running with me a few times. Over the years we develop a great friendship. We ran many miles training for many races. Our conversations were always fun. I really do miss those moments. He loved music, food, cars and all sports. I will miss you.
And to his family, I’m truly sorry for your loss. I know how much he loved his folks as he talked about them a lot over the years.
God bless
I am deeply saddened by the loss of my cousin and friend, David. He was an inspiration to us all—not only through his incredible running talent but also through his kind and generous heart. My thoughts and prayers are with Uncle Barry and Auntie Eileen during this difficult time. I regret that I cannot be there in person, but please know that my heart is with you all.
Sincerely,
Nicholas and Clarissa
Eileen & Barrie
I am so sorry for your loss. May David rest in peace.
Patrick Mooney
Mary, Ray and Family,
We are so saddened to hear of the sudden loss of your nephew, David! Please accept our deepest condolences ! We are thinking of you all during this difficult time!
John and Sandra Harnett
Eileen and Barry, our deepest condolences over the loss of David.. Sometimes words are not enough. ❤️. Our warmest hugs.
Dear Eileen – just home from a wonderful famil.y reunion in Nfld to hear from Sr, Rosemary Ryan, my sister, of your sad loss !
How devastating for you and Barry to lose your boy – he sounds like a lovely young man !
The last time I saw you was at my brother Jim’s wake at Caul’s – how I wish I were still home to drop by for a visitation ! This is a very difficult time for you and your Barry – please know I will be thinking of you through these difficult days and praying for strength to deal with this sudden and heartbreaking loss ! You were always good to me and I will never forget your many kindnesses at Mary Queen of the World ! Deepest sympathy !
Joanne Ryan Mackinnnon
We are so very sorry and saddened by the news of Davi’s passing. He was always a good friend and kind neighbour. Just this March he stepped up to help us when we were travelling and needed someone to stay with Meeka. Then, just a few weeks ago he was one of the last people to come see Meeka before she passed. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Robin and Paul
Eileen,Barry,the Kelly and Freake Families. My sincere sympathy on the passing of David. To say that I am heartbroken is an understatement. He was a wonderful person and a son to be proud of. I will keep him and all of you in my prayers during this difficult time. May your faith bring you comfort. Rest in peace David. . Maureen Burke
David was an elementary school friend of mine, and later in life we connected through our shared love of hockey and running.. He was an incredible hockey player, but wow, he was a fast runner. I remember training for the Cape to Cabot back in 2014. While I was gasping for air, David ran beside me, chatting away effortlessly like he was sitting down having a cup of tea. All the while, he kept encouraging me to do my very best.. I’ll never forget that . I was always proud to say, “I know that guy”. My heartfelt condolences go out to all family and friends. Such a sad time. May he rest in peace.
Eileen and Barry, we’re heartbroken to hear the news of David’s passing. Our hearts go out to you. I wish I was there to hug you both. David was such a delightful part of our family. Mom adored him, and we all loved him and had so much fun with him as a little boy when Mom looked after him. We also loved that he was so sweet to Mom (Nan) as he became an adult. We’re sending love and strength to you at this time. Please know that you’re in our thoughts and prayers. xo
The Pittman Family ❤️
Barry, Eileen, Sheila, Christine and all of David’s Family
Brenda and I send our love and prayers at this very difficult time. We can only imagine the deep sense of loss that you are feeling. Our thoughts and prayers have been for you since we received the sad news. Unfortunately, we will be out of town on Thursday and Friday but can assure you that we will be thinking of all of you. Sending our love.
Eileen and Barry, My condolences to you on your great loss of your son, David. I remember seeing your family at the Basilica and watching David grow into a young man. May your treasured memories bring you comfort as you journey forward. My thoughts are with you.
So sorry to hear of the loss of your son, Eileen. Losing a child must be one of the worst experiences one could endure. Know that so many prayers and good vibes are going your way. RIP, David.
Dear Eileen, Barry, and Family:
I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of your son, David. I know that words can not ease the pain you are going through, but please know that I am thinking about you and praying for God to give you strength and solace through this difficult time.
Barry and Eileen, Sheila and Christine,
Please accept my sincere condolences on David’s death. Your heartbreak must be unimaginable. I pray that your memories will provide some comfort at this very difficult time. You are in my thoughts.
Kathy Collins (Walters)
I first met Dave in the summer of 2010. From the start, he struck me as an extraordinarily friendly and encouraging presence—someone who genuinely wanted others to succeed. He brought great energy and enthusiasm to the running community, always eager to motivate those around him toward excellence.
Dave himself was deeply driven, consistently training with a dedication and volume that rivaled elite athletes. He had a unique and memorable personality, and perhaps that’s part of why we connected so well.
I will miss him dearly. My heartfelt condolences to his wonderful family, especially his parents. I know how deeply he admired his father and how special his bond was with his mother.
May God bless you all. Dave and your family remain in my prayers.
With sorrow and admiration,
Adam
On behalf of my father Pat and my sisters Jill and Sally, our heartfelt condolences on the passing of our cousin. Our thoughts and prayers are with aunt Eileen and uncle Barry and the rest of the family at this time. may David rest in peace.
Barry and Eileen
We are saddened to hear of your beloved son David’s passing..
Our deepest condolences to you and all his family and friends.
Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
Ford and Carolyn
Eileen and Barry,
I am so sorry for the loss of your precious son. Please keep your beautiful memories in your heart. My condolences to the whole family. Take care.
Donna Rice-Parsons
Eileen and Barry, I am so, so sorry for your terrible loss. From my family to yours, please accept our deepest sympathies. Forever in my prayers.
Barry and Eileen, I’m so very sorry for your tremendous loss. I have fond memories of David as a little boy, playing his cello. I’ll hold you all in my thoughts and prayers. Take gentle care.
Eileen and Barry,
Sending heartfelt condolences to you both on the loss of your beloved son, David. I remember, so well, when you were pregnant with David while we were working together at O’Donel High, and the love and pride you had in him. My thoughts and prayers are with you both as you navigate your way through these difficult days.
My deepest sympathies,
Patty Rose
Deepest sympathy to all members of David’s family
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
May David rest peacefully in the loving arms of Jesus and His Blessed Mother, Mary .