LEWIS GRANT FRASER

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LEWIS GRANT FRASER Lewis Grant Fraser passed away peacefully on July 21, 2004 at St. Boniface Hospital after a lingering illness. Lew was born in Toronto on August 10, 1928. He was the only child of Robert and Delia Fraser. He was predeceased by his father when he was only eight years old and his mother in 1971. Lew leaves to mourn his wife Mildred and daughters, Carol (Russ and grandson Reese Valery Grant) and Susan (Darren) sister-in-law Dorothy Duncan. Lewis ran the locksmith shop located in the Eatons (Winnipeg) downtown store for over 50 years. He came to the Winnipeg store in August 1949 at the invitation of Mr. Chalmers who was the hardware manager. At that time, Lew was only 21 years of age and had just completed his locksmith training from an experienced locksmith in the Eatons (Toronto) store. He was also an accomplished machinist. After years in the profession Lew became an Honorary Life Member of the Manitoba Locksmith Association. In 1959, Lew decided to branch out into a mobile service by being the first to use a van in the locksmith business and had "Active Key & Lock" painted on his vehicle. Since the close of the Eatons store in 1999, the shop has relocated to City Place and is still a thriving and "Active" business. Over the years and due to the type of business, Lew made many friends from various walks of life. He was known for his great sense of humor and his many quips always brought great laughter amongst his friends. Even on his last day, when he was so ill a doctor asked him why he was in the hospital and he replied, "Im here for the food". Lew was a Mason for over 50 years belonging to Capitol Lodge No. 136 and this year was presented with his prized 50 Year Jewel. As a Mason he was a volunteer for the Cancer Society driving patients to their appointments and also delivered for the Cancer Societys Daffodil Day. To the end, Lew looked forward to attending the Lodge meetings whenever his health permitted. During his years, Lew was an outdoor enthusiast, he enjoyed skiing, boating, camping, fishing and various sports. Music was also a big part of Lews life especially symphonies and his classical favorites. He took great delight in attending the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra concerts. Another of Lews passions was food, he liked cooking, trying new recipes and enjoyed an evening out at one of his favorite restaurants. Lew took great delight in his grandson Reese and always enjoyed being with him. The family would like to thank all the friends that took the time to drop by Lions Manor to visit Lew and a special thank you to Alex Mortimer and David McCormick for their special friendship. The family would also like to extend a thank you to the staff and nurses at Lions Manor who dedicated themselves to helping him. If so desired, donations in Lews memory may be made to the Childrens Wish Foundation, The Manitoba Chapter, Lower Level, 350 St. Mary Ave., Winnipeg R3C 3J2. A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, July 26 at 1:00 p.m. in the Edward J. Coutu Funeral Chapel, 680 Archibald St. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: EDWARD J. COUTU LTD. 680 Archibald Street 253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 25, 2004