February 7, 1912 ~ November 2, 2011
Growing up in Mission, B.C. during the 1920's, Fraser’s youth was humble, but filled with plenty of adventures. In his teens, Fraser landed the job of maritime radio operator. These were the Prohibition years, and “Sparky” soon discovered that the ship’s only cargo was booze destined for enterprising American smugglers. Slow Boat on Rum Row, Fraser’s autobiographical memoir of his youth in Mission and his years on the rum boats, was published in 1992 (Harbour Publishing).
Rum-running earnings financed an electrical engineering degree from the University of Michigan. During WWII, Fraser enlisted in the RCAF, once again using his skills as a radio operator, while his squadron flew anti-submarine patrols off the coast of West Africa. His most harrowing wartime experience involved a hungry African crocodile that turned a relaxing swim into an aquatic duel. Following the war, Fraser successfully resumed his engineering career. For many years, Fraser was the General Manager of International Power & Engineering Corp. (IPEC), and he served as Assistant General Manager (Engineering) of the BC Hydro and Power Authority, working on projects such as the W.A.C. Bennett Dam on the Peace River.
A former winner of the Sun newspaper’s annual salmon derby, Fraser loved the coastal life, and treasured time at his cabin in Secret Cove, where he introduced three generations of family to the joys of the outdoors. Fraser remained an avid hiker, skier, and sailor well into his 80s. A consummate audiophile and camera buff, Fraser also cut, hauled and split his own firewood by hand. The crackling of an evening blaze to accompany his favorite opera selections was a lifelong ritual.
Fraser nurtured a keen interest in learning throughout his life, and the workshop was also a place of satisfaction. He always seemed to have a boat under construction, and his use of ropes, pulleys, levers and inventiveness was mind boggling. Fraser enjoyed getting away to warmer climates and he always had a plan for a new trip south. His ideal was a barefoot cruise with lots of warm ocean, bright sunshine and big sails.
Fraser cherished his independence and enjoyed quiet solitude. Many thanks to the citizens of Hope, B.C. – the crew at Rolly’s Restaurant and Louise Anderson in particular – and the staff of Fraser Health and Glenwood Care Centre for helping Fraser to receive these gifts into his 90s.
Fraser is survived by his first wife Jean, former wife Margaret, four sons, Bill (Margaret), Bob, Jack (former wife Jean) and Jim (Glenna), stepson Adrien (Marie), grandchildren Jennifer (Dan), Brian (Becky), Carli, Wesley, Kandice (Leo), Brook (Sayo), Emilie and Martin and great-grandchildren Colin and Jared, Bailee and Levi, Elizabeth, Ben, and Bella.