Obituary of Charlie Fraser

With saddened hearts we announce the passing of John Charles “Charlie” Fraser on Tuesday, July 9, 2019 at the Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow, following a brief illness.  Born on May 11, 1930 in Bridgeville, he was the youngest son of the late Simon A. and Bessie (Sutherland) Fraser. 

Charlie worked as a mechanic until enlisting in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1954. He completed mechanic training at Camp Borden, Ontario, then was stationed in Ottawa; Lorraine Valley and Grostenquin, France; Sardinia, Italy; Comox, British Colombia, and Nova Scotia.  He worked on Sikorski helicopters and Sabre Jets, and helped with the installation of the Mid-Canada Radar line in the Arctic before leaving the forces in 1964.

Upon returning to Bridgeville, he began working in road construction, with his father’s company, Simon A. Fraser and Sons.  He later worked for Warren’s and Superior Propane, where he was often referred to as Charlie Propane.  He ended his trucking career in his 80’s, hauling silage for local farms.

Charlie loved a good game of cards with family and friends. Cards were important entertainment when growing up and he continued to play for his entire life, even enjoying and winning a few games of rummy in the hospital.  Many Friday nights were spent around a crib board absorbed in friendly rivalry. 

He was well known as a tease and children were drawn to him.  No one escaped receiving a nickname, “George” for girls and “Susie” for boys were among his favourite names to call children. Special names were reserved for his family.   He loved to poke toes with his cane or tap someone on the shoulder and say “It wasn’t me!” Always smiling, he had his favourite silly answers to everyday questions.  “How are you” was answered with “Perfect” and if asked “What’s up?”, he’d reply, “The sky.” “How do you feel?” was always answered by “With my hands”, and even when it was difficult to speak, he still wiggled his fingers to deliver the message.

Going on drives in the car was another favourite pastime. Back roads were his favourite destinations.  He covered a lot of miles during his life and recalled every car and truck he ever drove.   

He is survived by his wife, Gloria, and daughters Carla (Robert Marshall) and Melody.  He has seven grandchildren Carl (Samantha), Robert, Devan, William (Traci), Ellen (Aaron), Russell, and Morgan; and great grandchildren Cameron and Gabrielle.  Also surviving are sisters-in-law Joan Fraser, Carol (Fred) Krauchi.  Brothers-in-law Bill (Ann) Hill, and Fred (Eunice) Hill, several nieces and nephews, and special extended family Butch and Carolyn White, Joan and Randy Ervin, Brian and Beverly White, and Dennis and Debbie White.  Besides his parents, he is predeceased by son-in-law Shawn MacLeod and brothers Harrison and Bobby, and sister-in-law Bernadette.

Visitation will take place on Friday, July 12, 2019 form 2-4 and 7-9 pm in the H.W. Angus Funeral Home New Glasgow.  The funeral will be held at 11 am on Saturday, July 13, 2019 in Bridgeville United Church. Burial in the Bridgeville Cemetery. Donations in Charlie’s memory may be made to the Aberdeen Palliative Care Society.  Family flowers only please.  

The family would like to thank Dr. Gregor McLean, Dr. Sharma and Dr. Kwasnik for the wonderful care he received, as well as the nurses and CCAs on the fourth floor, in Palliative Care, and the VON who helped with Charlie’s care at home.  He thought he was very fortunate with the attention that he received and grateful for the visits of family and friends.

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