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He’s a man who seems to excel in all fields. And now science teacher Gary Freebury has decided to retire from a diverse teaching career that has allowed him to touch students in many areas. And one of those areas is music, a talent Freebury showed off in a band concert he directed May 19.
“I was a jack of all trades,” said Gary Freebury. “So, I decided to start in math, science and music.”
When Freebury’s career began he taught in Columbus, Mont. until 1959 and then began working at FHS, where he directed the band and taught math. After finishing his training in science he began teaching chemistry.
“He’s a well informed teacher,” said chemistry teacher Geoff Hughes. “There’s hardly anything in his field that he isn’t aware of.”
Students and alumni of FHS have many memories of Freebury. 1965 FHS graduate Sue Cummings remembers Freebury as a person who really cared.
“He inspired me,” said Cummings. “I had a poor self image and felt like a failure, but he told me not to worry.”
After graduating, Cummings remained in Kalispell and her two kids were both able to take chemistry classes from Freebury.
“I’m really glad my kids had the opportunity to take chemistry from him,” said Cummings. “He (Cummings’ son, David) graduated in bio chemistry and I think part of it was because Gary really made chemistry fun for him.”
As Freebury’s career comes to an end, it seems fitting that he finishes his time at FHS as it began, by conducting the band one last time.
“I think it’s really great to see him on the podium and in class,” said junior Crystal Herzog. “He’s amazing and knows so much about chemistry as well as music.”
With a teaching career as outstanding and varied as Freebury himself, it is finally time for this man to bid farewell to a school and people who will miss him, but remember him forever.
“Mr. Freebury is like a modern Renaissance man, and not many people are able to achieve that status,” said senior Steve Satterly. “And even fewer can share it with so many people with as much knowledge and passion as he has. It’s really going to be hard to fill his shoes.” |
