Kevin Freer February 22, 1961 - September 5, 2023
Kevin Freer passed away in his sleep on September 5, 2023, at the age of 62. He will be remembered for his love and dedication to his family, his enthusiasm for special projects, his sense of humor, and his friendly, supportive nature.
The oldest of four children, Kevin was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. HIs siblings remember him as an intelligent brother who often shared his discoveries, led them in small adventures, and beat them at board games.
Kevin met Sylvia Soumokil in 1985 and they were married in 1991. They raised their three boys in Oregon City. Kevin enjoyed coaching the boys sports teams, volunteering at their school, supporting their many interests, and challenging them through all kinds of games and riddles. For many years, he had a tradition of taking his family to Seaside beach at the end of August. They made many happy memories there. Kevin worked hard to support his family and they were his pride and joy.
Kevin and Sylvia supported one another through a series of difficult events, the hardest of which was the loss of their middle son, Garrett, to a brain aneurysm when he was 23 years old. Together they showed inspiring strength, courage and resilience as they faced each hardship that came their way.
Kevin worked most of his career in the restaurant and bar industry. Most recently, he served at the Coney Island Tavern in Oregon City, where he was well-loved by clients and co-workers. He was known for good conversation, kindness, and his constant attention to the details that make everyone's jobs easier. His attentiveness to others was apparent in his personal life, too. At family gatherings, he always jumped in to handle many of the tasks before and after the meal.
Kevin is survived by his wife, Sylvia, his parents, Richard and Nancy Freer, his sisters, Cindy (Carlin) Jackson , and Laura Freer, brother, Michael (Tina) Freer, son, Brandon (Elyse) Soumokil-Freer, step-son, Stephen Soumokil, and many aunts and cousins, nieces and nephews. Kevin was preceded in death by his son, Garrett Soumokil-Freer, mother-in-law, Nellie Soumokil, his grandparents, and several uncles.
There will be an informal family gathering to celebrate Kevin's life at a future date.