TRENTON – It is with utmost sadness and grieving hearts that we announce the passing of Gerald Vaughn "Jerry" Fraser, of 12th Street, Trenton, on Saturday, June 6, 2009, after a courageous battle with illness.
Born on January 12, 1943, in the old Aberdeen Hospital, Jerry was the son of the late Marjorie (Fraser) MacInnis and a "special child" of the late Herb and Laura (Hendrican) Fraser, his grandparents who raised him.
An adherent of the First United Baptist Church of New Glasgow, Jerry's early education was gained through the Trenton school system, before he eventually moved on to attend New Glasgow High School, where he excelled in sports and was a member of the 219 New Glasgow Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps Pipes and Drums contingent.
He was a key member of the powerhouse NGHS rugby teams of the late fifties and early sixties and captained the vaunted 1960-61side that captured provincial honours, going undefeated while setting numerous school and provincial records, some of which still stand today.
His onfield exploits were so widely regarded that "Moose"even earned an offer to attend the training camp of the CFL's Hamilton Tigercats.
A fierce competitor on the playing field, Jerry was anything but in everyday life, possessing a generous spirit, gentle heart and loving nature. Never a boastful person, he took immense pride in the accomplishments of other family members, and considered himself, first and foremost, a dedicated family man.
He worked for 28 years at Maritime Steel and Foundry Ltd., prior to which he was also employed at C.P. Smith and Co. in New Glasgow.
Jerry was also active in the local music community, as a drummer for various bands throughout his 40-plus years of playing. His percussion talents were displayed with, among others, Donnie Haggart and the Country Senators, Ed MacIntosh and Vision, and The Classics, who once opened for Matt Minglewood.
Perhaps Jerry's proudest musical moment was the evening that he got to "sit in" with Canadian rock 'n roll music icon, Ronnie "The Hawk" Hawkins at a club in Toronto.
An avid fisherman, he possessed a love of the outdoors, and enjoyed hunting, working with his hands and was a master story-teller beyond compare.
Jerry will be forever loved and sorely missed by his wife of 43 years, Donna (Wilson), as well as by daughter Breeaun (Mark), Lakeville, and sons Zach (Tanya), Centreville, and Josh (Tiffany), Trenton.
He is also survived by sisters, Jeanne MacDonald, Alma, and Debbie MacLean (Gregor), New Glasgow, along with brothers, Bo MacInnis (Sherri), New Glasgow, Huck MacInnis (Cheryl), Millstream and Joe MacInnis (Cheryl), New Glasgow. In addition to his mother-in-law, Eileen Wilson, he is survived as well by four grandchildren, Rachelle, Josh Jr., Jacob and Evan, along with several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by brothers, Jimmy MacDonald and Dan MacInnis, and uncles, Herbert "Skipper' Fraser, Robert "Buddy" Fraser and aunt, Myrtle MacIsaac.
Visitation 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday in the R.H. Porter Funeral Home New Glasgow. Funeral service 2 p.m. Wednesday, at First United Baptist Church in New Glasgow.
Donations can be made in Jerry's memory to the Canadian Diabetic Association.
Condolences at: www.rhporter.ca