Born May 19, 1944, deceased November 7, 2019. Son of Ruth and Robert Freeman, John was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. He was Valedictorian at Fairmont High School, Class of 1962. From there he went on to Dartmouth College, Harvard Medical School, and Orthopedic residency at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital and Roosevelt Hospital in NYC. John then served his country in Philippine Islands as a physician and Lieutenant in the United States Navy. In the fall of 1976, “Doc” Freeman joined Aspen Orthopedic Associates upon the completion of his military service, ultimately becoming the managing partner of the group. He retired from the practice of medicine in 2010. John found his true home in the Aspen Valley with great friends (both two and four-legged), practicing his profession, and experiencing his love of the outdoors and the mountains. He had a lifelong passion for aviation, earning his pilot’s license and being involved in the development and management of Aspen Aviation, Inc., the Aspen airport Base Operation. Typically, he seldom chose to leave his beloved Woody Creek unless he was able to do so in his plane, Tango Mike. John’s love of skiing led him into a close association with the Aspen/Snowmass ski patrol, of which he was a significant supporter, and the U.S Ski Team. John spearheaded the development of the Snowmass Clinic, initially affiliated with Aspen Orthopedic Associates, which at its inception was a first- aid and triage site for injuries sustained on the Snowmass slopes. He also served for many years as team physician and orthopedic consultant for the U.S. Ski Team. John was generous with his patients — truly caring about their wellbeing. With friends, John was a trusted resource who spoke his mind openly and honestly. John was a loved brother and uncle. In his retirement years, even as his health failed, he was always quick with jokes and disarming comments to lighten the mood and put companions and friends at ease. John loved all sports, but his favorite was hockey. He began playing in high school and continued through college and in Aspen. He also coached many hockey teams and was perhaps most proud of a successful women’s team famously named the “Aspen Motherpuckers”. John is survived by his former wife Syd. John and Syd maintained a devoted, lifelong friendship. Also surviving are brothers Dick (Judy) and Doug (Susan), 8 nieces and nephews, and 17 grand-nieces and grand-nephews. John will be deeply missed by all who knew him. The family plans to hold a celebration of life in John’s memory in Aspen in the spring of 2020. Details will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to your favorite animal shelter in honor of Dr. John Freeman.