Stephen FREED Obituary

I recently found out Stephen had passed away. He was a former colleague of Colin McDonalds where they worked at FCN in NSW Australia.
Colin had some recent conversations with Stephen about his own cancer and then passed away himself in September. He would have been sad to know of his death. Thankyou Stephen for being a wonderful colleague and friend to Colin.
Francine

I would have loved to have talked to him

I will always remember Stephen for his great kindness, his friendship, understanding and support for me when we first met in the late 1970's. A loving man. We continued to meet throughout the passing years and it was always a pleasure. The last meeting being at the "Duke Reunion" October 2024. I miss you Stephen and will miss you for no longer being a presence in this world.
Much love Merrin.

In the early 1980's of the Wellington Arts Centre era Stephen and I intersected, conversation was easy as we both engaged in our oblique and unique take on life, entwined with the beauty of perfect human imperfection. There was a long hiatus due to his Sydney posting and we seamlessly reconnected in the early 1990's thanks to a mutual friend, the good Doctor Denis.
There were many phone calls, the sharing of the odd glass; which to me was more like a long distance fuel tank, but most importantly a balance of humor and philosophical exploration of existence. Many times Stephen reminded me that he was my sage and mentor, this was received with grace. It is now a new time where his warmth of engagement will no longer be replenished but continuously remembered.
I will raise my glass and always thank you Stephen for being you, with all of us, your large social connection.

I should have qualified the "punch-ups" which were a feature of our birthdays: we were aged about 5 and they were more likely a throwing of cakes. Of course Stephen and I weren't responsible (but we may have encouraged the perpetrators!) May he be at peace

My memory goes back to our days in Dunedin. I was born same day (we worked out I was three hours older) and lived in adjacent houses. Can't recall when the family moved away, but do recall birthdays when we were all sent home from one after a "punch-up" then reassembled at the next home for another birthday celebration in the afternoon. I was looking forward to having another ale or three on our 80th (did when we turned 75). Cheers, Stephen