Ron Fraser loved being outdoors. Hunting, fishing, as a lineman for the CPR where he worked for 30 years, as long as he could be out in the fresh air he was happy. As a young man, he would cut school to go fishing and duck hunting on the Fraser River, or mushroom picking in the burnt patches beside the railway, bicycling home to his mother with his bounty. Ron Fraser was born in 1923 in Hardisty, Alberta to Grace and Daniel Fraser, who were homesteading in the area. With his four siblings, Donalda, Roderick, Margaret (Peggy) and Ken, the family moved to Vancouver in the late 20s, where sister Ruth was born. Ron joined the Canadian Army at the age of 17 and served as a motorcycle courier in England during World War 2. Ron married the love of his life Joyce Isherwood on May 13, 1950 and they lived to celebrate their 62nd anniversary in 2012. With their two daughters, Patricia and Colleen, they moved to Grand Forks, where the children enjoyed an idyllic childhood, and Ron could build their home -- and then a cabin on Christina Lake where the family would spend their summers. Ron and Joyce moved to Nelson in 1973, and Ron enjoyed hunting and fishing in the Kootenays. Ron and Joyce made many friends in Nelson, he was a great raconteur and always had a friendly word for everyone. Ron called bingo at the Legion and the Eagles for years. After Joyce was taken from him on Christmas Eve, 2012, Ron continued to live in their home, but his life was never the same. After a brief stay in Kootenay Lake Hospital, Ron slipped away in the early hours of April 17, 2013, one day before his beloved Joyce’s birthday. Ron Fraser is survived by his daughters, Patricia (Cal Koat) and Colleen; by his sister Ruth Fox, of Courtenay, BC; by his grandchildren Morgan (Matt) Westcott, Tavis Blishen, Rhys (Kieren) Geisler, Chelsea Blishen; and great-granddaughter Fraser Westcott. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada.
Home is the sailor, home from the sea. And the hunter home from the hill. Arrangements are under the direction of Thompson Funeral Service Ltd. Online condolences may be expressed at www.thompsonfs.ca.