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George Fraser
August 28, 1935 - February 28, 2024
Tribute
George Garnett Fraser was a long-time resident of Osoyoos. He passed away after a long and courageous battle with myelofibrosis.
He was predeceased by his parents Douglas Plaskett Fraser and Dorothy (Johnson) Fraser, both of whom were very active in community affairs. He was also predeceased by his wife of over 58 years, Ellen (Stevens) whom he married in Oliver in 1959. He is survived by son Glen, daughters Lee (Mark), Robynne (Jon), and Tanya, and grandsons Matthew and Duncan. He was the grandson of pioneers, George Johnston and Annie Josephine (nee Plaskett) Fraser who came to live in Osoyoos in 1917.
George was an extremely kind man and always had time to listen to others. He cared deeply about his family and had a strong sense of duty. He loved reminiscing about what life in Osoyoos was like and hearing other people’s stories. He was naturally curious and was always willing to challenge himself and to learn new things.
George spent his working life alternating from teaching and orcharding and often said he had a happy work life because he was able to switch back and forth and never tired of either occupation. George started his teaching career as a principal and teacher in Midway (1959-63), teacher in Osoyoos (1963-66), teacher and vice-principal in Oliver (1970-77), and teacher in Osoyoos (1987-1995). George was a passionate teacher and taught in the areas of Mathematics and Science and enjoyed coaching basketball. George often joked about having retired from teaching three times. George took over the family orchard in 1965 and retired from the orchard in the early 2000s. During these years he served on the BC Tree Fruits Board of Directors and Executive, including as President for a year.
George loved outdoor sports such as downhill skiing, golfing, sailing, and kayaking. George had skied since he was a young boy and enjoyed skiing first at Mt Kobau and later at Mt. Baldy where he thought the T-bar was a luxury. George also was an avid ham radio operator for a time (VE7DOP) and was always up for a game of Bridge.
At his request, there will be no service, but donations in his name would be gratefully received by the charity of your choice.
Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com
Condolences
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From: Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium Ltd.
The Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Janice and Jim Stow
Relation: Second cousin. Our grandparents were siblings.
Such a fine, fine man! I wish we had got to know him sooner. On our last visit, he kept saying “I’ve been so lucky!” Every time he made a career change he felt he was “so lucky”. We think Osoyoos has been so lucky to have George in their community.
From: Lia Pinske
Relation: Student
So sorry to hear of his passing. He was my math teacher in high school in the 1970s! He was a good teacher and I respected him! He was also our customer in our farm Eqpt business , so nice to see him after I finished school!
From: Carlos Oliveira
Relation: Old friend
A man with a good soul, my condolences to the family
From: Asia Van Spronsen
Relation: Student
Mr. Fraser was a saint, with virtually endless patience. I had him for homeroom throughout high school. In addition, he was our math teacher and grade eight basketball coach. The only time I ever saw Mr. Fraser exasperated (and rightfully so) was when a few thirteen-year-old girls had a small water fight in the bathroom outside of his classroom, when we were purportedly (and inauthentically) dealing with female issues. The rest of the time, it was cool, calm and collected, complete with a warm smile and a mere shake of the head, when things were going awry: scoring on our own basketball net in Princeton; rushing through the classroom door, late; “not getting it” in Math and Calculus 12… With a hand to his head, it was always re-set with patience, patience, and more patience. Mr. Fraser was the kind of man you knew you could count on: quietly documenting the school’s various happenings, photographically, for the yearbook; lending out lunch money time and time again (it seemed like he had an endless supply of loonies ready to be borrowed and paid back); and answering question after question – always willing to try another way to help a student find understanding. Mr. Fraser was old-school reliable – we had his home phone number to call, when we were stuck on a difficult calculus problem, and boy did we use it… Many an evening, Mrs. Fraser would be passing the receiver over to her other half, so he could talk us through a tough equation, in preparation for an exam. For years after graduation, I chatted with the Frasers, when I was home for the summer, working – they were always genuinely caring and lovely people. I hope, one day, my own children meet a teacher like Mr. Fraser, along their own paths. Thank you for being you, Sir: a real fine character you were. You made a difference in my life, and I appreciate it.
From: Carla Cadwallader
I loved getting to know George over the last few years and I will miss seeing him so much. He was such a kind and patient man and always laughed at my jokes! Thankful to have known such a beautiful soul
From: Lennie McDonald
Relation: We were friends with him at Sunshine Ridge.
Jim, and I will miss our friend George. He enjoyed playing Mexican Train,
and he taught me to play bridge. Thanks for your friendship.
Deepest condolences to his family.
From: Dwayne and Darlene Svendsen
Relation: Friends and fellow Teachers
Deepest Sympathies for the loss of a devoted Father, loving Grandfather and caring man!
George will be greatly missed and always remembered!
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
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Flower Fantasy Flowers & Gifts Inc.
6049 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.flowerfantasyoliver.com/
Local: (250) 498-0088 Toll free: (844) 498-0088
Flowers on Main & Reis Boutique
5859 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.oliverflorist.com/
Local: (778) 439-2270 Toll free: (800) 665-9983
Gems and Stems at Eastside
6496 Park Drive, Oliver, BC
https://gemsandstems.com/
(250) 826-0438
Polka Dot Door Floral Design Boutique
8522 Main Street, Osoyoos, BC
https://www.polkadotdoor.net/
(250) 495-2226
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