You did it again, John. I read nearly everything you write and because you are a good human who I’ve watched grow and change over your tenure in PDX, you seem to me to be at your best when you tell peoples’ stories - stories that collide with our own and allow us to feel and grow. I’m grateful you are doing your own thing and doing it well. Thanks.
Another great column, John. Such respect for a gifted man whose life may have gone awry, but who never lost the capacity for kindness to others. Thank you.
I went to PSU the same time. Freeman did and have fond memories of watching him play. The last 2 seasos he played, home games were an event and that little band box of an arena would be rocking. An amazing player with jaw dropping range.
Enjoyed watching him with the Clippers where his back court mate was World B Free and Walton was the center. Quite the show
I went to PSU from ‘75-‘78. I was at the game when Freeman scored 81 points, I believe it was against Rocky Mountain College from Montana. Rocky Mountain looked like they had their football team on the court, not to take away from Freeman’s lights out shooting performance! I used to shoot around at the PSU gymn and he would be there often knockin’ down shots from both corners! Great story John!
I read yesterday where Freeman Williams died, too young at 65. Your article gave more insight to how his life had been, than anything else I had read. I saw him play, at the MC, against University of Portland. Yes, a very smooth stroke and he definitely showed NBA pedigree. I do hope he was able to reconcile things in his life and acquired some peace. Thanks for the article!
You did it again, John. I read nearly everything you write and because you are a good human who I’ve watched grow and change over your tenure in PDX, you seem to me to be at your best when you tell peoples’ stories - stories that collide with our own and allow us to feel and grow. I’m grateful you are doing your own thing and doing it well. Thanks.
Great article! Thanks for sharing g his story in such a compassionate manner!
Another great column, John. Such respect for a gifted man whose life may have gone awry, but who never lost the capacity for kindness to others. Thank you.
Love your storytelling and the Oregon history you keep alive. Thanks!
Nice column, John. Very thoughtful, caring, respectful. Thank you.
Wonderful heartfelt piece about Freeman Williams. This article is why I subscribed to your Bald Face Truth.
Another great human interest story. You write such stories with heart, John. Thanks.
You need to publish a collection of your best feature stories. (I believe there could be a market for such a book.)
Love this story. I remember Freeman well.
A true talent gone too soon. Thanks for writing, John. You inspired this old radio guy to try his hand writing on Substack in retirement. Thanks much.
I went to PSU the same time. Freeman did and have fond memories of watching him play. The last 2 seasos he played, home games were an event and that little band box of an arena would be rocking. An amazing player with jaw dropping range.
Enjoyed watching him with the Clippers where his back court mate was World B Free and Walton was the center. Quite the show
I went to PSU from ‘75-‘78. I was at the game when Freeman scored 81 points, I believe it was against Rocky Mountain College from Montana. Rocky Mountain looked like they had their football team on the court, not to take away from Freeman’s lights out shooting performance! I used to shoot around at the PSU gymn and he would be there often knockin’ down shots from both corners! Great story John!
A great human story. Sad, yes, but real. Thanks for telling this one.
Beautifully done
An absolutely beautiful tribute, John.
I read yesterday where Freeman Williams died, too young at 65. Your article gave more insight to how his life had been, than anything else I had read. I saw him play, at the MC, against University of Portland. Yes, a very smooth stroke and he definitely showed NBA pedigree. I do hope he was able to reconcile things in his life and acquired some peace. Thanks for the article!