Obituary of John David (Jack) Fraser

FRASER " John (Jack) David Jack Fraser passed away on September 23, 2007. Jack was born on the farm near Strasbourg, on December 6, 1923, to David B. Fraser and Clara Richards. Jack was predeceased by his beloved son, Tom; granddaughter, Megan; his brothers, Stan, Alex, and Earl; and his sisters-in-law, Red and Jean Fraser. He is survived by Margaret, his wife of 53 years, his daughter-in-law, Karen (grandson Andrew); son Michael (Betty Makelki), granddaughters Mary (Chad Salewich) and Heather Haugen (Andrew); son Jim (Wanda), grandchildren John (Sheila Melnyk) (great-grandchildren Paige and Caleb), Kyla, and Matthew; and son Stephen. Jack is also survived by his brothers Dave (Jean) and Barry (Patricia) and his sisters Elsie, Heather Houck (Arnold), Anna-Mae Bishop, Pam Robinson (Dennis), and Debbie OConnor (Dan). He leaves to mourn as well brothers-in-law John (Marlene) and Bill (Barbara) Vavra and sisters-in-law Anne Romanoski, Vivian Friesen, Veronica Orton-Johnson, Evelyn (Russ Kennedy), Barb Fletcher, and Marian Vavra. Jack left school early to join the Royal Regina Rifles in 1940. Mustered as a musician with the 12th District Depot Band, he trained as a rifleman and saw service overseas. He was discharged in 1946. He completed his grade 12 and then went on to complete a Bachelor of Social Work at the University of British Columbia. He had a 35 year career with the province of Saskatchewan, at one time being the Director of Social Services for the QuAppelle Region. Jack married Margaret Vavra on February 20, 1954, in Saskatoon. They moved to Regina shortly after where they raised their four sons. Jack believed we were born to serve one another and he was extremely involved in volunteer work. He was a founding member of HELP Homes, and was involved in many service and charitable organizations over the years including the Saskatchewan Abilities Council, CNIB (life time member), John Howard Society, and Overseas Adoption (current foster child, Jinky). He gave as freely of his money as his time. Jacks great love in life was music " he played trombone for the symphony orchestras in Vancouver, Saskatoon, and Regina, and in the Legion Band. He was a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders pep band taxi squad?, a regular band member at the Trianon Ballroom and the Hotel Saskatchewan, and played for various exhibition grandstand shows such as Bob Hope, Rich Little, and Lorne Greene, as well as the Ice Capades. He was a long term member of the Regina Male Voice Choir, entertaining many with his deep bass voice. His second love in life was sports " he played golf, baseball, curled, and bowled. He attended Pats and Roughriders games and followed all sports on TV. Jack was known for his encyclopaedic knowledge. He remembered people, facts, and stories, could quote poems and songs, and always had a joke. He loved visiting with people, was a great host, and loved to go for coffee. Of course, his greatest love was his family. Proud of them all, he treasured nuggets of information about them and shared this with anyone who would listen. Jack was much loved and loved greatly in return and will be deeply missed. Since Jack supported a wide range of charitable organizations, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, you make a donation to a charity of your choice. Memorial Service will be held Thursday, September 27, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. in Westminster United Church, 3025 " 13th Avenue, Regina, with Rev. Jack Bray officiating. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com