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MURRAY REID FRASER Obituary pic

MURRAY REID FRASER

Born: May 31, 1919

Date of Passing: Apr 20, 2013

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MURRAY REID FRASER May 31, 1919 - April 20, 2013 After a short illness, on Saturday, April 20, 2013, at his home, Mr. Murray Fraser, of Winnipeg, aged 93 years. Murray was predeceased by his sister Jessie Isobel Houlden in 1976; granddaughter Jenny in 2010, and his wife of 40 years, Hazel (née Stevens) in 1989. He will be lovingly remembered and forever missed by son Walter (Nancy); daughters Virginia (Bill Ong), Myrna, Stephanie, and Karen (David Brook), and their extended families, and many friends. The second child of the late Annie Reid and Peter Fraser, Murray was born on the family homestead near Pilot Mound, Manitoba. He completed high school in Pilot Mound, but did not wish to pursue farming. In 1940 / 1941 he moved to Winnipeg to attend the Dominion Provincial Vocational School prior to being accepted into the R.C.A.F. for airframe mechanic training. Murray had applied to become a pilot in the summer of 1940, but was rejected for aircrew because of colour blindness. Murray was posted to #6 Repair Depot, Trenton, Ontario after taking the airframe mechanics course and an advanced metal repair course at St. Thomas. In the spring of 1945, he went overseas and was posted to #6 Bomber Group at Linton-on-Ouse, Yorkshire. Murray returned to Pilot Mound in January 1946 before returning to Winnipeg that fall for further technical training in machine shop and tool and die making. With glowing references from his instructors, he was hired by MacDonald Bros. Aircraft in March 1948. He continued with the company when it became Bristol Aerospace, and retired in 1982 after 34 years of service. Murray first met his wife, Hazel Stevens, in Pilot Mound High School. They resumed their friendship in Winnipeg in 1940, where they were both pursuing training and careers. After marrying on July 9, 1949, they set up house in a little cottage at 230 Parkhill Street in the western outskirts of Winnipeg. Their son, Walter Reid, was born in 1951. A year later, they moved to a big, old, five-bedroom house at 400 St. Charles Street, even farther west. Here, their four daughters were born. In 1981 Murray and Hazel sold the family home and moved to a smaller house in St. James. They enjoyed eight years of retirement together until Hazel's death on October 12, 1989. Murray's many friends and good health allowed him a long, active retirement. At age 74 he joined the St. James Speed Skating Club, and easily broke several Canadian records in the Masters Men category (70 and older), in long and short track distances. He then hung up his spandex racing suit and retired from competition, but continued to enjoy biking and skating for more years yet. In his later years he especially enjoyed the company of dear friends who introduced him to line dancing. He enjoyed "Bristol breakfasts" with other company retirees, and was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion and the Western Canada Aviation Museum. The 1955 obituary of Pete Fraser, Murray's father, ends with: "His sincere friendliness and ready smile were good medicine for all. No man had more friends and fewer enemies". The same can be said of Murray Reid Fraser. The family wishes to express their appreciation to Dr. A. Schroeder for his years of care, and to the kind folks at Sturgeon Creek II Retirement Residence, where Dad has lived since January 2012. Cremation has taken place. A private family service will be held at a later date. Flowers gratefully declined. If friends so desire, donations can be made to the Western Canada Aviation Museum, Hangar T-2, 958 Ferry Road, Winnipeg, MB R3H 0Y8, phone (204) 786-5503. Wojcik's Funeral Home, Winnipeg in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 27, 2013

Condolences & Memories (6 entries)

  • I had sent the obituary of your Dad to relatives in Ontario when it first appeared in the Free Press. Noel & I pass on our deepest sympathy on Murray's passing, he was indeed a very special person and will be deeply missed. Noel & Kay - Posted by: Kay (Thompson) Blais (Cousin) on: May 09, 2013

  • I had the priviledge of working with Murray at Bristol Aerospace from 1978 till the time of his retirement. As a young / green Engineering technologist starting with Bristol Murray became my mentor and helped me develop my trade as a manufacturing planner by sharing his wealth of experience. He was person who was patient and respectful with anyone he was dealing with and was well respected by his working colleagues. Thru the working years Murray and I became good friends and shared our common factor of being parents of twins and continued to be friends during his retirements years whenever there was an opportunity and at functions, other Bristol retirements and occasional meetings in malls etc. If there was a person on this earth who should still be with us Murray was that person because he touched many people with his happy disposition on life, his many stories, and willingness to help anyone who would ask. I am thankful for having the priviledge of knowing Murray and will miss him and my sympathy goes to the Fraser family for their loss. - Posted by: Harry Szkwarek (friend) on: May 01, 2013

  • “My candle burns at both ends. It will not last the night, but ah my foes and oh my friends, it gives a lovely light.” ~ Edna St. Vincent Millay and our Murray could sure light up a room! It was always an honour and a privilege to be his dance partner. He was a true gentleman, and will be missed. - Posted by: Carol (an old dance partner - one of many!) on: Apr 27, 2013

  • What a wonderful long life Murray had and how fortunate you all were to have your father with you for so many years. 93 years beats the record for any Reid descendant so far. Aunt Jean was 5 months past her 90th birthday and Wilfred Reid (1919- 2010) was 4 months past his 91st birthday. The only one of that generation left is Mary Patterson who was 95 in March. The obituary in the paper was lovely- very well done!! My sympathy to all! Mary - Posted by: Mary MacKay (Cousin from Ontario) on: Apr 27, 2013

  • I said a prayer for you today And know God must have heard I felt the answer in my heart Although He spoke no word! I didn't ask for wealth or fame (I knew you wouldn't mind)- I asked him to send treasures Of a far more lasting kind! I asked that He'd be near you at the start of each new day To grant you health and blessings And friends to share your way! I asked for happiness for you In all things great and small- But it was for His loving care I prayed the most of all! Karen and family, we are so very sorry for your loss. May God be with all of you. Ted and Vera - Posted by: Ted and Vera Griffin (Friends of Karen and David Brook) on: Apr 27, 2013

  • I SAID A PRAYER FOR YOU TODAY I said a prayer for you today - Posted by: Ted & Vera Griffin (Friends of Karen and David Brook) on: Apr 27, 2013

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