Glad you got it free! I was going to pipe up and say I'm another who never removes the pads when I'm changing a tire. Remove the 14mm head caliper bracket bolt, slide the axle bolt part way out, and lift the caliper and bracket out as an assembly.
I've learned with the caliper pun, to clean it well when I have it out during a pad replacement, and lube it before installing it. I think part of what helps mine is that I do pads at least once a season because of the mileage I ride. That keeps the pin from seizing in from age and oxidation. I think it would be a good idea to remove the calipers and clean and lube the pins and pad sliding points at least once a season. In my rust-prone area we do this with customer's cars where I work. Even if the pads aren't worn out, once a year we disassemble, clean, & lube to make sure everything continues working smoothly.