Insurer's fond farewell to friends

It is with mixed emotions that I announce the sale of my Allstate Agency and business to my colleague John Moreiko. I turn 65 in August and I desire to slow down a little and enjoy life more.

Many of you have become my close friends. We've been through a lot together: marriages, divorces, births, deaths, children and grandchildren, natural disasters and car accidents. Do you remember the firestorm of 1993? Such an experience ? but it pulled us all together. Of course, we've also had earthquakes and mudslides to keep life exciting!

My concern was always that you were protected and I did my best to achieve that goal. My philosophy has been: "Insure the top end and take the biggest deductible you can afford."

Though I will continue working with the agency, I will be spending less time in the office. You might be wondering what I will be up to with all my newfound spare time. With the remodeling of my Oak Street home nearly complete, I plan to spend more time with the Laguna Beach Exchange Club and volunteering as a Tidepool Docent for Ocean Laguna. I will also continue marketing and selling health insurance a few days a week. I say "mixed emotions" because, though I look forward to enjoying life more fully, I will miss working with and serving my friends on a daily basis. Thank you for allowing me to help you with your insurance needs.

PATRICK FREEMAN

Laguna Beach

[Freeman has been an Allstate agent since 1985.]