Sen. Mike Padden said he will remember state Rep. Roger Freeman for the courage he showed in being an outspoken defender of life and battling the cancer that claimed the first-term Democratic lawmaker’s life earlier today. Freeman, of Federal Way, was 48.

“He was an outstanding person with such a positive attitude,” said Padden, R-Spokane Valley. “It was amazing to see the respect he received from members of the Senate after just two years as a member of the House.”

Padden, chairman of the Senate Law and Justice Committee, said he worked with Freeman, an attorney who had been a public defender, on a range of issues, including law and justice. However, the strongest bond between the two came from their support of pro-life issues.

“I think he showed tremendous courage through his commitment to the vulnerable in society, including the unborn. He also was a magnificent public speaker, and the speech he gave at the March for Life in Olympia during this year’s legislative session was one of the most moving speeches I have heard,” Padden said.

“He was a wonderful family man, and my thoughts and prayers are with his wife Sonya and their two children. I will miss him a lot.”