Obituary of Howard Charles Fraser

HOWARD CHARLES FRASER Howard was born February 6, 1954 and died at home on Sunday, February 8, 2014. He said I should shoot him before his 60th birthday as it would be more financially beneficial. I, Sharon Leibel, told him he better live far past that or else. Howard decided that if he couldn’t live as well as he wanted, then enough was enough – we compromised and he passed away at 8 am Feb. 8, 2014 by my side. Howard was a man of principle, honour and integrity, tempered with empathy and compassion. His ability to plan and prepare tempered my tendency to dream and leap without thinking. We knocked heads for 28 years as we were well matched in opinionated stubbornness. It was a great 28 years – just not long enough. Howard served with the Regina Police Service from January 6, 1975 to April 10, 2001 in various capacities, but always with the firm belief that to Protect and Serve was a dogma, not just a motto. He volunteered with Mobile Crisis Services for another decade as a paid job wasn’t as important to him as the need to make a difference in people’s lives. Howard took care of my income tax, my billing, cooked for me, drafted our home plans and generally managed our lives for all this time, so that I could do what I was good at and enjoyed. Together we raised two wonderful children. Neil and Shannon are our living proof that no matter how interesting the journey your kids take, they turn out well when they are loved and supported. He was proud to be their father. We will miss him always, but we will make sure we live our lives with the determination he taught us – do what is right, stand by each other and work hard and honestly to live the life you want. Thanks to the Fraser and Leibel families for the support and love we are experiencing in our grief. Our friends are too numerous to thank and you know how much we appreciate all your help and affection too. I would like to reassure you all, including my son and daughter that I am not half as incompetent as I have presented myself to be over the years - that was just a way to get out of the stuff I didn’t want to do. Howard’s wishes were for no funeral or memorial ceremony – we ask our friends and family to think of people they can help, a charity they can support, or a good deed they can do- and do it in memory of Howard. That will please him the most. A private family interment will take place at Riverside Memorial Park at a later date.