GILBERT FRASER

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GILBERT FRASER With family by his side, Gilbert Fraser, loving husband of Laura, passed away on Thursday, November 13, 2008 at Holy Family Home at the age of 85. Gilbert is survived by Laura, his wife of 62 years; children, Gilbert (Linda), Lawrence, Linda (Brian), Susan (Len), Randall (Deena), Judith (Stuart), Grant, Delma (Dale), Robert (Anna); grandchildren, Karen, Diane, Christopher, Miranda, Justin, Carly, Amanda (Chad), Jennifer, Matthew, Daniel, and great- grandson, Lance as well as nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents Alexander and Bertha, and infant daughter Janet and in recent years by his sister Jeannine and brother Rene. Gilbert was born in St. Alphonse, Manitoba on June 9, 1923, and raised on the Fraser family farm. As a young man he came to Winnipeg to work in 1940. He was a busboy at the St. Charles Hotel, and later went to Eaton's as an associate in the Children's clothing section. He eventually worked at the Winnipeg bus depot (where he met Laura), and shortly thereafter joined the St. Boniface Dairy, driving a team of horses as a milkman. On August 14, 1950, he made his final career move, joining the Canadian National Railway as a trainman. He retired after 37 years on January 31, 1987, and was well respected by his peers for the work ethic he brought with him to his job. After retirement, Gilbert loved to putter around and to tend to his gardens in the yard and near what is now known as the Riverview Health Complex, by the Red River. He was compassionate to the elderly neighbors on Rosedale Avenue and area, making sure their grass was cut, or their sidewalks shoveled if they could not do so. With large picture windows on both sides of the house, he was known to his family as the Neighborhood Watch . After several hospital stays, Gilbert became a resident of the Holy Family Nursing Home in January 2001, where he lived until his passing. He took great joy in visits from family, particularly his grandchildren and Randall's dog Molly. He was involved in the residents' committee, where he worked to further enhance the quality of life for the residents and staff of the home. He particularly enjoyed hearing his fiddle music being played, and waited with anticipation for KFC toonie Tuesdays and Connie's cinnamon buns on Fridays. The staff who worked throughout the years on 5A became a second family to him. Words alone cannot express our gratitude from our family for the grace, respect, dignity, and love which he received. Though many took care of him, on behalf of Gilbert, the family wants to express our gratitude to Debbie, Darlene, David, Carl, Nettie, Connie, Caroline, Lorenzo, Nestor, Danny, Maria, and Dulce. Finally and especially, to you Elizabeth, Dad's special guardian angel, you will always be in our hearts for your attention and friendship to our father. Memorial service will be held Friday, December 19, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Holy Family Home, 165 Aberdeen Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2W 1T9, the Manitoba Lung Association, 629 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R3A 1P6, or charity of your choice. Chapel Lawn 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 22, 2008