Byron ‘BA’ Allen Freeman

Byron Allen Freeman, 80, of Porthill, Idaho, passed to heaven on Saturday, March 16^th, 2024.  BA took a horrible 10-foot fall at his home in the northern mountains of Idaho, that with the help of his best buddy Tex, was finally able to call for help.  The complications proved to be too much for him this time and after 11 years, 2 months and 10 days, his wishes to be reunited with ‘the Best’ - the love of his life Linda, came true.  We miss you too Mom, terribly.

BA, as he was known in Porthill, was born January 28^th, 1944, in Gonzales to Byron and Alleen Helms Freeman.  He spent many of his younger years with his grandparents, Jake and Hattie Helms whom he loved dearly.  As he made his way through life, there wasn’t much he didn’t have a talent for.  His younger years he enjoyed playing all his guitars, organ and singing in the bands he played in and even opened for famous singers back in the early ‘60s.  In later years, he still enjoyed picking up his strings and playing with his son, Chance.  BA was a certified diver; mixologist; the youngest regional manager of Brown and Root in the mid-70s; a pilot of his own float plane he flew around Alaska and to Texas; owner of his construction company where he built many a road, pad site, tank and cleared lines for seismograph crews; a teacher and mentor; designer, builder and owner of Little People’s Playschool in Gonzales Texas; and eventually built his final cabin, off the grid, for he and his family to experience and enjoy on his 80-acre Idaho mountain.  There wasn’t anyone BA would not stop to help from the Mexican border to the Canadian border and across to Alaska.  He loved hunting and fishing and taught his kids the skills and the respects of the sports.  He loved his mountain and life on it, living amongst nature, inventing, building, watching deer, bear and bald eagles meet-up with their mates each year.  Sometimes he experienced few pennies, but he was richer than most millionaires.  He became known for ‘sh*t Dad said’ and could tell a story like no other and to the question, ‘wait did that really happen’, was answered by ‘hey, you can’t make this sh*t up’……or could you?

BA’s last days were filled with visits from many friends, known as his Idaho family.  He enjoyed many phone calls and texts as well.  He enjoyed one last call with Mrs. Jonell Behrens he’d known 76 years and loved her and her family as his own.  We greatly appreciate all those calls and texts as well as all those that came to see Dad, those that came to his rescue, and those who helped at the cabin so we could stay at Dad’s side.  Thanks to KD DuBose and Jeff Cernosek for traveling and your support on the mountain.

BA is survived by his kids, Londa Freeman and Chance and daughter-in-law Daisy Freeman, his best buddy Australian Shepherd Tex Ranger, his sister Fern and her husband Allen Smith and her family, brothers- and sisters-in-law Jay and Donna Gray, Roger and Charlie Gray, Steve and Bonnie Gray, Lorraine and David Reynolds, and many nephews and nieces.  BA was preceded in death by his wife of almost 50 years, Linda Gray Freeman, his parents, his only Uncle Vyron ‘Bud’ Freeman and wife Verna.  He truly missed his best Canadian buddy Skip DeCoste who passed during the COVID pandemic.

We will celebrate Dad’s life and reuniting with Mom on their mountain in early summer.  For the consideration of donations, The Hospitality Center of Kootenai Health, Northern Idaho House, www.rmhcinlandnw.org that allowed a minute’s stay close to Dad;  Hospice of North Idaho, www.hospiceofnorthidaho.org, who helped Dad’s comfort, as well as ours; the First United Methodist Church of Gonzales; or your favorite charity.

Often Concealed

Like the wine that hides the fear of truth,

  and the wrong that hides the right,

and the soldier’s heart that’s still at home,

    but still goes off to fight.

Like the clouds that hide the mountains,

  and the crystal water streams,

and the fog that hides the ocean,

  and the lands of foreign dreams.

Like the past that hides the future,

  and the day that hides the night,

sometimes you can’t see an angel,

  for blindness that hides your sight.

My love for you I’ve often concealed,

  now my heart has to confess,

for 35 years I’ve loved you more and more,

  Sweetheart you’re the Best.

For Lin, written by BA, Happy Anniversary, July 1998.