It
is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Danny Frei
who died peacefully on April 6, 2025, with his family at his
side. Predeceased by his beloved wife Judith, Danny is survived
by his two sons Brian (Lindsay) and David (Thelma), his five
grandchildren who he loved dearly, Rohnan, Emrie, Natalia, Ethan
and Madeline as well as his sister Bonnie, and brother Johnny.
Raised in Cobourg,
Ontario and having lived more than fifty years as a resident of
Grafton, Ontario, Danny was a well-known and respected member of
the local community. After completing high school, Danny began
teaching at Dale Road Senior Public School and continued
teaching while completing his Bachelors Degree at Trent
University, his Teaching Certificate at night school and while
raising his two boys. For 32 years, “Mr. Frei” taught at Dale
Road where he shared a love of science, outdoors and gymnastics
to thousands of students.
An avid outdoorsman
and sportsman, Danny spent large portions of his life in the
wilderness or on the water canoeing, surrounded by the nature he
shared so fully with his family and friends.
Danny particularly
cherished the Dale Road Outers Club where he shared his passion
for outdoor education with countless students, staff and parent
volunteers throughout his entire career. Many will fondly
remember their experiences on his Canoe Trips, October Camps,
Winter Camps, Ski Days or weekends spent whitewater paddling.
In 1990, Danny
acted as team manager for the Canadian Junior Whitewater Slalom
Kayak Team, where the young athletes, including his own son
Brian, traveled and competed at the Junior World Championships
in Switzerland.
In his
“retirement”, Danny combined his love of teaching and his
passion for the outdoors to become a Hunter Safety and PAL
course instructor. Through his efforts for more than 25 years,
he introduced new generations to the sport of hunting and the
safe and lawful use of firearms. Danny was also honored to be
recognized as a Lifetime Member for his 35 years of service to
the Northumberland Revolver and Pistol Club.
Right up until the
end and despite his mobility severely diminished by Parkinson’s,
Danny’s favourite moments were those spent in the outdoors with
his grandchildren, or sharing stories of times so spent with
friends and family.
