FREEMAN, Randolph “Randy”
Posted: June 27th, 2026
FREEMAN Randolph “Randy” Steven Freeman, 74, of Yellowknife, NWT, passed away unexpectedly at his home on January 27, 2026. He was a loving husband to Patricia (nee Gargett) and beloved father to his sons: Daniel Jeffrey and Brett William Eldor (deceased). Randy was born on December 14, 1951 to Margaret (nee Greaves) and Eldor Freeman in Medicine Hat, Alberta.
Randy is also survived by his brothers Dennis (Joan), Barry (late Mara), Ron (June), Glenn (Sandy), Greg (Deborah); sisters Linda (Don) Anderson and Deborah (Dale) Bolton and his beloved dog Riley
Randy was predeceased by his son Brett William Eldor and his sister Judith (Bruce) Yemen.
Randy had a kind heart and optimistic and loving nature. His circle of family and friends meant the world to him. Blessed with an enquiring mind, he was a multidisciplinary researcher, writer and storyteller.
With a background in historical geography, anthropology, and archaeology, Randy worked for the Government of Alberta as archaeologist and toponymist before moving with his family to Yellowknife in 1985.
Randy was hired as the Territorial Toponymist, tasked with creating a program for First Nations governments to seek recognition of their traditional place names. Randy stayed in that role for 15 years. Specializing in NWT place names and traditional knowledge research, he always maintained that maps should reflect people’s reality.
In 1996, Randy started his consulting firm DownNorth. During this time, he continued as a CBC North and Up Here Magazine freelance writer, researching and sharing stories on air and in print for a dozen years, more than 550 stories in total. In 2011, Randy published his book DownNorth Tales: Stories from Yellowknife.
Randy began working with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation in 2010 as Director of Lands Management and eventually moved to the position of Traditional Knowledge Specialist. His professional relationship with YKDFN continued until his death.
A memorial gathering will be held for Randy at a future date with a location to be determined.
Randy’s words to live by: “Always look on the bright side of life.”