FRASER, VERNON MELVIN - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Vernon M. Fraser of Prince William, NB on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at the DECH in Fredericton, NB, after a brief illness. Vernon was born in Concord, Vermont in 1926 to Melvin and Blanche Fraser. He came to Lower Pokiok Settlement, NB at the age of two and a half and was raised by foster parents and relatives, Howard and Alice Fraser. Vernon is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Arlene (Clark) Fraser; two sons, Ian (Heather), Moncton, NB and Dale (Lois), Prince William, NB; a daughter, Carla (Kevin), Pickering, ON; five grandsons, Jordan, Jared, Erik, Zachary and Jesse; a granddaughter, Ronya and her mother Kris; three step-grandchildren, Kassandra and Hilary Hawker and Andrew Arnold; a sister, Ferne Breton, South Portland, ME; two brothers, William Lord (Barbara), Phoenix, AZ and Hughie Chapman (Lin), Bethel, ME; several nieces and nephews. Special mention of his adopted canine companion, Heidi Dawn. He was predeceased by his parents, his foster parents, a son Duane, a brother, Donald of Augusta, ME, a granddaughter, Mikayla and a step granddaughter, Cassandra.
Vernon worked for various construction companies in his earlier years. Projects included the construction of Base Gagetown and the Nackawic Pulp Mill. Vernon then formed his own successful construction company where he had a special affinity for CASE equipment. He also operated Fraser’s Antique Shop which he had a life long passion for and enjoyed going to many auctions in NB and the USA. Vernon served on several committees, including YSC Wood Marketing Board and hospital boards. He was a life long member of the Progressive Conservative Party, both provincially and federally and was proud of it. He was presented with the MacDonald Cartier award in Toronto in 1992. Vernon was a life member of the Alexandria Lodge # 33 of Fredericton. He was also a member of the St. Andrews Society of Fredericton for many years.
Vernon had a special way with people and made many friends far and near. His enjoyment and contentment over the years was spent harvesting, hunting and spending time on his woodlot in Pokiok Settlement.
Visiting hours will be held at Flewelling Funeral Home, 585 Otis Drive, Nackawic, NB on Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. A Masonic service will be held on Friday at 6:30 pm at the funeral home. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 2 pm from the funeral home chapel with Rev. Jennifer Brown and Rev. Mac Campbell officiating. A reception will follow at the funeral home. Interment will take place later at the Lower Pokiok Cemetery. www.flewellingswan.com