By Dennis Young With Family Notes
“Our parents left a lasting impression on us to be hard workers, enjoy life and put family first. They were great mentors and set great examples. We know that they had hard times, but they both enjoyed life to the fullest!”
Hard to believe Freeman and Dorothy found time to relax with all they accomplished in life
Freeman grew up in Elkhorn, where he developed a notable reputation as a skilled fastball pitcher. Throughout his youth, he played for various teams across Manitoba before leaving his hometown to seek employment. He initially found work at the Flin Flon rink and continued playing fastball with their team.
His abilities attracted the attention of the owner of the Cruise Dairy ball team in Dauphin, resulting in an employment offer contingent upon his participation on their team. While working at the King’s Hotel and delivering milk, Freeman pitched for them.
During this period, dancing served as a primary social activity, and Freeman attended as many dances as his schedule permitted. It was through this shared interest that he would later meet his future spouse.
Dorothy Heesaker was born in Million and completed most of her early education at a local country school, ultimately achieving Grade 8 through correspondence. As the eldest child, she frequently cared for her younger siblings and, according to family accounts, often walked long distances to school without shoes.
Dorothy’s enthusiasm for dancing began at an early age, with her brother Eugene accompanying her to nearby events, Dorothy riding on his bicycle handlebars. Eventually, she moved to Dauphin for work, securing a position as a waitress at the King’s Hotel, where Freeman was also employed.
She was also a housekeeper for the Dickson family. Mrs. Dickson recognized the potential compatibility between Dorothy and Freeman and arranged their introduction by inviting them to dinner. That meeting resulted in their marriage in 1941.
By 1945, Freeman had advanced to manage the Carman Safeway, while Dorothy dedicated herself to raising their six children. The family later relocated to Manitou for Freeman’s position at Beaver Lumber, during which time he suffered a severe injury to his left hand. The support system they had established in Carman prompted their return to the community.
Despite personal challenges, Freeman and Dorothy maintained a balanced lifestyle, integrating recreational activities and volunteerism into their daily lives. Freeman served as grocery manager at the Co-op and contributed more than two decades to town council, including involvement in the Boyne River Diversion project. He was also active in the local golf club, holding executive roles such as president, serving as starter at the Carman Labour Day Classics, and co-founding the Millionaire Club.
Dorothy, meanwhile, balanced her responsibilities as a mother with two decades of evening work as a waitress at the Rex, developing strong relationships with her customers. Upon retirement, she dedicated herself to volunteer work, often saying, “A little work never hurt anyone, and if it makes you feel good, then you’ve accomplished what you set out to do.”
Her volunteer service included nearly 20 years with the ladies’ section of the DAS — earning her honorary life membership from the Manitoba Association of Agricultural Societies — and 16 years as president of the Ladies Auxiliary.
Additionally, she served on boards for Parkview Manor and Evergreen Place, participated actively in the Anglican Church and United Way, supported local elections, and helped establish breast self-examination clinics. Dorothy co-founded and served on the Handi-van committee for 10 years, motivated by her empathy for the elderly.
Following the completion of the Community Hall in 1979, Dorothy and Doreen Young (D & D Catering) launched a group to raise funds, coordinating 139 banquets and recruiting 1,700 volunteers over several years, ultimately eliminating the facility’s debt with a donation of $30,000. Freeman assisted by managing financial records and acting as the gofer.
Dorothy’s passion for dance persisted throughout her life. She was a longtime member of the Bar 8s Square Dance Club and later played a key role in founding and organizing the Carman Fun and Fiddle Festivals.
In recognition of her extensive service, Dorothy received multiple honours, including Citizen of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and the Half Century Award.
As parents, they were loyal providers.
“Growing up, we developed and maintained a strong family bond. Our vacation trips always seemed like an adventure, with eight of us in Dad’s Dodge. Dad, Mom and Shelley in the front — that put the rest of us in the back: one on the floor hump, one in the back window and the other three on the seat!”
“Mom and Dad had a gift for hospitality. It was not rare to see the house full of visitors, whether family or friends. We played lots of games, and on Saturday nights when Mom would come home from the Rex after midnight with Chinese food, we ate and played games into the wee hours. We always hoped that Mom would sleep in so we didn’t have to go to church, but that never happened!”
Freeman and Dorothy Lucking distinguished themselves as committed community members, devoted both to public service and to cultivating a vibrant family life. Their legacy of dedication and resilience continues to serve as an inspiration to us all.
Dorothy (82) and Freeman (87) both passed away in 2003. Doreen Lucking, who passed in 2020, farmed in Miami with Clayton Cox before later moving to Morden. Kathy Lucking met Alvin Cox, who was in the Air Force; they moved frequently and later retired in Winnipeg. Alvin passed in 2013. Ellen Lucking and George Neufeld are retired and living in Carman. Charlie and Roland’s Debbie Young live in Headingley as retirees. Dorothy Lucking is retired in Moose Jaw and is married to fellow Carman native Greg Karmazenuk.
Shelley Lucking currently lives in Carman.
