COATSBURG, Ill. -- Michael "Mick" Freeman, 61, of 2124 E. 1850th St., Coatsburg, died Saturday (Dec. 29, 2012) in Blessing Hospital in Quincy.

Michael was born June 13, 1951, in Plymouth, England, the son of David and Marise Knowles Freeman. He married Mary Ann Dittmer on Nov. 10, 1973, in London, England. She survives

As a young man of 11, Mick sang solo at Trafalgar Square with Salesien College. He was a freelance accountant in London. He moved to Bristol where he worked in the bar at the Arnolfini Art Gallery. He then bought and managed "The Old Castle Green Pub" until 1982. Mick made it a popular music venue in Bristol. The next pub he ran was "The Bell" which also became a popular music spot. He also worked at the BBC in Bristol where he interviewed "Dr. John" and various other artists.

Mick came to the U.S. in 1986. He worked in sales and then at Quincy University where he operated WQUB radio, putting to use his immense knowledge in music. In 1988, he joined Griffo Products and was marketing manager and public relations spokesman. He introduced the product to more than 200 media outlets. At WQUB, he was very successful in fundraising to keep the station on the air. Mick was on the cutting edge, working with Broadcast Electronics with their digital equipment. He worked closely with the Rev. Harry Speckman, the Rev. James Toal, Jim Lenz and Chris Myers. In 1994, he introduced Quincy to the music of Maggie Boyle and Steve Tilston. In 2010, he left WQUB for health reasons and the station closed.

Mick was active with the Association of National Public Radio Broadcasters and participated in several conferences. An English citizen, he proudly considered himself an American. He also enjoyed brewing his home beer and was a New Orleans Saints fan.