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JOHN F. FRASER (JACK)
Born: Sep 19, 1930
Date of Passing: Jul 24, 2021
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
JOHN F. FRASER
September 19, 1930 – July 24, 2021
Jack is survived by his son, John (Myeong Kim) and grandsons, Tyler and Johnny; daughter Lisa (Darrell Gilmore) and their children, Harrison, Hannah, Jackson and Carter. He was predeceased by the love-of-his-life Valerie in 2002.
Born in Saskatoon in 1930 to parents Jack and Florence (Foster) Fraser, Jack was proud of his Scottish heritage and spent a life well-lived both personally and in the world of business. He graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a BComm in 1952 and, following university and work in men's retail, Jack went head-first into business, forming Empire Freightways with two friends from University of Saskatchewan, the first of many entrepreneurial endeavours during his career.
Together, Jack and Val were the very definition of a "power couple" - he working and networking through many years of business, she being at his side as the perfect business spouse and hostess. Their parties were legendary! They embarked together on a fantastic journey that included many adventures and memories, and were happiest at their camp at Lake of the Woods and the condo in Naples, Florida where they made many lifelong friendships.
Jack's business career was nothing less than world class; his leadership and management skills were unparalleled through his career in Winnipeg with Federal Industries Ltd. in the 1980s and 1990s, leading to him being invited to join countless directorships across North America. Jack served as Chair of the Board of Air Canada, and as a member of the boards of Manitoba Telecom Services, Bank of Montreal, The Thomson Corporation, Ford Motor Co. of Canada, Coca-Cola Beverages Ltd., Shell Canada Ltd. and Investors Group Inc.
He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1990, and proudly wore his "Snowflake" pin.
Jack was a significant contributor to the arts and cultural entities, working frequently as a leader to nurture important institutions such as the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre.
He enjoyed jazz, Jaguars, Beefeater gin martinis, the Globe and Mail, and spending time with his family at the lake. He never shied away from sharing his opinions, and particularly appreciated a hearty political debate.
He genuinely appreciated his former Federal Industries colleagues who maintained a connection with him through his last years; he impacted the careers of a great number of Winnipeg business leaders.
A celebration of Jack's life is planned for Thursday, September 16, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Manitoba Club, 194 Broadway. In keeping with current health protocols, we respectfully ask that only fully vaccinated guests attend to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, 1160-675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3E 0V9 or support.cancercarefdn.mb.ca
THOMSON FUNERAL HOME
204-783-7211
Condolences may be sent to
www.thomsonfuneralchapel.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 31, 2021
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
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My love goes out to Lisa and John and their families during this difficult time. So many fond memories of Jack, Val, John and Lisa over the years - where do I begin? Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners, weddings and shower parties, birthdays, anniversaries and so many special occasions - we were all connected and shared in so many celebrations together. Christmas dinners - I remember Jack’s legendary mediation skills at mom’s last Christmas dinner, Jack stepping in as referee and expert mediator during one late night heated political debate that escalated between my father and sister. His quiet yet extremely effective expert mediation skills were orchestrated to save family peace in that household that night and no doubt his expertise was obtained from numerous successful business negotiations for so many years. To silence two hot-headed McDonalds - one being a peer and without damaging relationships whatsoever so the party could go on - now that’s a skill only held by a very special and extremely talented and skilled man, with so much love in his heart for not only his own family but all the families he touched and was connected to. Watch for the rainbow, Lisa and John, and know that there’s a celebration going on above with their favorite martinis 🍸 toasting and welcoming your dad as he transitions to join all those who have passed on and especially reuniting with your mom, Val! Love you all!!! Hugs 🤗 all around!’ - Posted by: Gillian (McDonald) Quinn (Family Friend) on: Aug 03, 2021
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April and I were saddened to hear of the loss of Jack. He was a wonderful and generous man and we enjoyed our visits both in Canada and down in Florida. One thing that hasn't been mentioned about Jack - he was a dedicated and enthusiastic supporter of handball. We are thinking about Lisa and her family during this difficult time. - Posted by: Kit Peterson (Friend) on: Aug 01, 2021
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I will always remember Jack very fondly. My first job was working for Jack at Federal Industries in 1978. I was a young business graduate and he was my boss and mentor. I remember with great affection the times we worked together. We had some interesting and wonderful experiences as he faced the challenges of being CEO the the company. He loved his family and always talked about them with great pride. May his memory be a blessing. David Fine - Posted by: David Fine (Colleague) on: Jul 31, 2021
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