Allister Thomas Fraser
Passed on: June 6th, 2008
Baddeck It is with great sorrow that the family of Allister T. Fraser, 92, of Baddeck, announce his sudden death Friday June 6, 2008 at the Victoria County Memorial Hospital, Baddeck. Born in Glace Bay, he was the son of the late John A. and Beatrice (Turner) Fraser. His memory will be cherished by his beloved wife of 63 years, Rhoda (Rockwell); daughter, Anne, Halifax; son, David (Debbie), Baddeck; granddaughter, Heather (Ian MacNeil) Urquhart, Sydney River; step-grandson, Ryan MacLeod, Fox Creek, Alberta and great-grandchildren, Matthew and Kate Urquhart MacNeil, Sydney River. He was predeceased by his brother, Graham and an infant sister. He was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces and served with the Royal Canadian Engineers during World War II. He graduated from the University of New Brunswick with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry Engineering and was employed in 1945 with the Nova Scotia Department of Lands and Forests as the first forester for Cape Breton Island. He and Rhoda lived in Sydney until 1948 when they built a home in Baddeck, where he served Cape Breton Island in the role of Manager of Forest Resources until his retirement in 1981. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch No. 53) and St. Mark’s Lodge (Branch No. 35), Baddeck. He was also a devoted member of Greenwood United Church, Baddeck where he served as an elder for 35 years and was involved with Sunday School and United Church Presbytery activities. Allister was a dedicated, loyal and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather whose first and foremost devotion was to his family. He was a man who truly enjoyed and valued each day, particularly after his stroke in 1987 that left him with partial paralysis but his sharp and inquisitive mind remained constant to the end. Allister enjoyed life to the fullest and always said he was the luckiest man alive. His confident, positive attitude, and his strong faith and love for the church were always evident throughout his life. He loved and enjoyed his many friends with whom he shared his fondness of hunting (and dogs), gardening and philosophical discussions of world events. He always looked forward to trips throughout Cape Breton, as he believed it was the most beautiful place in the world. He enjoyed his career and his love of nature and the environment was evident throughout his life. He enjoyed his cottage in St. Patrick’s Channel where he felt close to nature and always looked forward to the arrival of the hummingbirds each spring. But, his greatest joy in recent years was his two little great grandchildren, Matthew and Kate. Visitation will be held at MacAskill Funeral Home, Baddeck; Monday June 9, 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service will be held at Greenwood United Church, Baddeck, Tuesday June 10 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Karen Lynch officiating. Internment in Middle River Cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations in Allister’s memory may be made to the Greenwood United Church Memorial Fund or the Victoria County Memorial Hospital. The family would like to express heartfelt appreciation to the Home Support staff who faithfully provided care to Allister at home for many years. Also, sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff of the Victoria County Memorial Hospital.
