Freeman Humphrey

1942 - 2025

Freeman Humphrey
05/07/1942 - 10/23/2025
Freeman Humphrey of Petaluma died October 23, 2025 at Kaiser Permanente San Rafael Medical Center at age 83 after a quick decline from Lewy body dementia.
Freeman was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 7, 1942, the third of four children born to Watson Humphrey and Barbara Burras. The family moved to California when he was one year old, living in San Francisco and North Hollywood before settling in San Mateo. He graduated from San Mateo High School in 1960, and earned his bachelor's degree in Sociology from Sonoma State University, a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Utah, and a Doctorate in Psychology from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.
Freeman could often be found at his kitchen counter with a strong cup of coffee and the paper, hiking the Bear Valley Trail at Point Reyes, working on backyard projects, listening to music loudly, or cajoling others into playing a game of chess (that he usually won). He was a voracious reader of nonfiction and a lover of sixties and seventies rock, maintaining an impressive collection of vinyl LPs and vintage rock t-shirts and posters. Freeman was a hands-on, loving father and a dear friend to many in his community, showing up for others with compassion, generosity, and playfulness.
In his professional life, Freeman was a Psychiatric Social Worker with San Mateo County Health System. He found meaning in connecting with clients and helping them develop coping strategies to manage their mental health and ultimately live fuller lives. Later in life, Freeman discovered his love of mindfulness meditation, a practice that offered him peace and new perspectives on living, dying, and forging meaningful relationships. This is something he brought into his personal life with visits to Spirit Rock and integrated into his professional practice, offering group meditation to clients. Freeman volunteered at The Village Network of Petaluma where, up until his passing, he led a mindfulness meditation group. Freeman is predeceased by his parents, Watson and Barbara, and an infant sister, Hester. He is survived by four children: Malisa Namsirichai Humphrey (Jason) of Los Angeles and Jason Jules Namsirichai Humphrey (Sima) of San Mateo from his first marriage to Malee Namsirichai Humphrey (deceased), and Zoe Ryan- Humphrey (Milo) of Brunswick, Maine and Rhys Ryan-Humphrey of Los Angeles from his second marriage to Maryann Ryan of Saco, Maine. He is also survived by his sister Ann Humphrey of San Rafael, brother David Burras Humphrey (Stacie) of Tallahassee, Florida, four grandchildren Akhil Humphrey, Avir Humphrey, Hollis Ryan- Humphrey and Orion James Namsirichai Kunke, a niece Bonnie Van Humphrey Calou and two nephews Max Humphrey and Brice Humphrey.
Freeman will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on June 28th at noon at the Bear Valley Picnic Area, Point Reyes National Seashore. Please RSVP for the celebration of life to 62826FH@gmail.com.
As a type 1 diabetic for over 50 years, Freeman would appreciate gifts of remembrance to The American Diabetes Association.