Douglas Freeman

Douglas S. Freeman, 65, of Missoula, peacefully embarked from this earthly plane for his next adventure on February 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family on a quiet, snowy morning in his home along Rattlesnake Creek. He changed uncountable lives for the better with his seemingly endless well of love, gratitude, and humility. His quick, sparkling wit filled many hearts with joy and he will be forever missed.

Doug was born in the wake of a full moon on September 16, 1959, to Douglas Y. Freeman and Gladys Freeman in Hardin, Montana, where he was raised in a houseful of sisters. He was particularly fond of recounting his family’s excursions to various national parks in an old school bus his father had converted to a family camper. Doug graduated from Hardin Senior High School, Class of 1978, then ventured to Missoula where he attended the University of Montana, earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1983 and his CPA license soon after. He continued his education, earning a law degree from the University of Montana in 1987.

While in law school, Doug met the love of his life, Lori Elison. On their first meeting, Lori was smitten by Doug’s sense of humor and his kind soul. Doug, meanwhile, eloquently told his friends that he had just met “a super cute gal who’s really smart!” They had each found their person. They married in a small stone chapel in the valley below Lone Mountain in August 1988. They tangled their roots, and continued stretching their branches upward, together forever in love. 

A few years later and their team of two grew to a team of three and soon after, four. Doug radiated eternal warmth for his and Lori’s two beautiful children, Matt and Megan. He never wavered in his steady guidance and fatherly support of their dreams. He parented as he lived, from a grounded place of quiet and balanced wisdom, without judgment. He paved the path for his kids with curiosity and empathy, and he lit the way forward with his gentle encouragement and endless jokes. Without him the way forward is a little darker, but his boundless love for his children glows so bright that their path will never be completely dark. 

While his family always came first, Doug also worked hard to foster and develop an impressive professional career specializing in tax and probate law. He was a member of both the Montana and Arizona State Bar Associations. It was his passion to help people plan their futures, both as an attorney and, later, a financial advisor. Throughout his career he developed many strong and lasting friendships with his business partners, colleagues, and clients. Doug never let his career overshadow his ethos that “money is a horrible way to keep score” and kept his focus on the many intangible things that give our lives meaning. In this regard, he strived to make his community a better place, including volunteering his time to Snowbowl Ski Patrol, Habitat for Humanity, and the Carousel for Missoula, to name a few.

He loved exploring the natural world and was always curious to see what awaited “just around the corner” or “just over the next hill.” No matter where he lived, you could find him outside; skiing, biking, hiking, boating, camping – anything that would take him out in nature. 

Doug strived to live his life with authentic zest and loving-kindness. All who knew him fell in love with him by the second joke. Besides his witty humor, we will remember Doug’s determination to live a fully present life on his own terms. His courage and strength were unending in the face of seemingly impossible odds. He chose to win his final battle on his own terms—he is now soaring unfettered and victorious.

He is survived by his lovely wife, Lori; children Matthew (Sarah) and Megan; sisters Julie, Jayne, and Janet (David); mother-in-law Gladys; brothers-in-law Brad (Jennifer), Mark (Karla), and many nieces, nephews, and friends who adored Doug. We hope that now he’s bringing smiles to the faces of his parents, his father-in-law Larry, his brother-in-law Martin, and his brother-in-law Steve.

A Celebration of Doug will be held in Missoula in the Summer of 2025, exact date and location TBD. Please share your memories of Doug by e-card or the Garden City Guestbook.

In lieu of flowers, simply scatter native wildflower seeds or plant a tree in Doug’s honor. He would also appreciate it if you simply found a quiet place outdoors and shared your love with him there, he’s a phenomenal listener. He was especially fond of sunsets, snowy mountains, windswept plains, and chasing the stars, even in the daytime.

We will love you forever and ever.