Obituary of Jeffrey David Freiheit

FREIHEIT: Jeffrey David Freiheit passed away suddenly on August 2nd, 2018 near Lenggries, Germany while hiking the Traumpfad (Dream Way). Jeff was born on September 27th, 1985 in Dauphin, Manitoba to parents Kathy and Garnet Freiheit. Siblings included older brother Joel, and younger sister Amanda born three years later. He attended school in Dauphin where he was active in sports, band, and drama. He was especially passionate about basketball and upon graduating from DRCSS he received a basketball scholarship to Brandon University where he played for the Bobcats. Jeff enjoyed being a part of the team and many of the relationships that he made during this time have been maintained. He received his Bachelor of General studies in 2007 and his Bachelor of Education Degree (Hons.) in 2009. Prior to leaving for his final student teaching placement in Kuwait, Jeff met the love of his life, Selena. Jeff completed his student teaching placement in Kuwait and travelled Europe that summer. He went back to Kuwait in September, 2009 and taught for one school year. In 2010 Jeff returned to Dauphin, Manitoba where he taught at McKenzie Middle School. In September of 2011 Jeff and Selena travelled back to Kuwait and taught for three years together. During this time while vacationing in the Maldives Jeff proposed to Selena in April, 2014. The couple returned to Canada that summer and Jeff began teaching in the Brandon School Division. In July of 2016 Jeff and Selena exchanged vows in Croatia, honeymooned in Italy, and celebrated their marriage vows with family and friends later that month. Jeff's love for travelling began as a child with his family and continued throughout his life. He visited 47 countries in his lifetime. Jeff loved experiencing new cultures, meeting new people, and touring the highlights of what each country had to offer. Some of his most memorable excursions included, climbing Ayers Rock in Australia, hiking Machu Picchu in Peru, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Mount Everest Base Camp, visiting Angkor Wat in Cambodia, running with the bulls in Spain, swimming with the Great White Sharks in South Africa, seeing the Silverback Gorillas in Uganda, and doing a wildlife safari in Kenya. Jeff was a passionate educator, he loved taking the time to connect with his students and was highly involved in the school community. He brought out the best in students and accepted each for who they were. Jeff spent hours coaching a number of sports teams including basketball, volleyball, soccer and cricket. He continued to participate in sports including men's league basketball, soccer, baseball, and golf. Jeff was passionate about his own fitness and health. He was a role model for his students and would assist them in adapting a healthier lifestyle. Jeff had an optimistic outlook on life and a positive sense of self. He always saw the best in others and was very inclusive. Jeff loved to make others laugh by quoting movies and telling stories. He had a unique sense of style and always took pride in his look which often had a European flair. Jeff had a great love for his family and enjoyed spending time with them during the holidays and family gatherings. Jeff had a knack for finding that "special" gift for family members. Jeff will be lovingly remembered by his wife Selena, parents Kathy and Garnet, brother Joel (Aerin) nephew and niece Reece and Karis, sister Amanda (Nick), niece Charlotte, in-laws Jim and Brenda Empey, sister-in law Nicole and brother-in law Sheldon, as well as extended family including aunts, uncles, and cousins. "Sometimes, you gotta find yourself, and at that moment, when nothing in the world matters… when the simplest of notions are all that linger.. may it be to the good life." – Jeff Freiheit