Headline: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR : GREG FREEMAN'S WISE COMPASSION

Publication: ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
Last Printed: Fri., Jan. 3, 2003
Section: EDITORIAL, Page: B6, Edition: FIVE STAR LIFT

I never met Gregory Freeman. However, I felt so sad when I read he had died.
   I have been reading his column for years. I feel like I knew him. I always felt his heartbeat, and he touched my life so many times. I could relate to many of his columns about family and society. He was not afraid to tackle issues, but he did so with class. He was consistent and stable as a columnist. 
  I will miss his column, and I will miss him.

  Goodbye, friend.

Marcia J. Jones, Chesterfield
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One of the many remarkable things about Greg Freeman was the consistency of his excellence as a professional journalist. As far as I could see, he never flagged. I thank the Post-Dispatch, KWMU-FM radio, and KETC-TV for recognizing his ability, and providing the opportunities for that soul to gain such voice and power in the home city that he loved.
  
Most of all, I thank Greg Freeman for the wise compassion he brought to everything he wrote. How very fortunate we have been.
  
I've read that sometimes, in the long course of grieving, a mourner makes the happy discovery that he or she has unwittingly taken on some key positive quality of the one lost. It comes as both a comfort and a lasting gift. My wish for 2003 is that this will hold true for every one of us in St. Louis who mourn the passing of this tolerant, wise, brave and giving man.

Mary E. Wertsch, University City
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What a wonderful tribute to Greg Freeman -- the words of Bill McClellan and reporter Tim O'Neil, and the excerpts from past Freeman columns. Freeman's passing on New Year's Eve might have been appropriate, sad though it was. It gave those who read about his life a fitting occasion to instill some of his kindness and integrity into our own New Year's resolutions.

Allan A. Seiler, Pittsfield, Ill.
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Greg Freeman was a gentle man in the fullest sense of those words, as well as an endearing gentleman. He brought people together by reminding us of our shared humanity. No one can take his place.

Norma Claywell, Hazelwood
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The Jan. 1 editorial cartoon, "Pillar of the community", was a creative and stunning way to pay tribute to Greg Freeman. It said it all so simply -- and I think he would like that. His gentle way of looking at things and putting them down on paper will be sorely missed.

Dorothy Anderson, North County
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