Obituary of Donald McRobie Fraser

FRASER, Donald M. - M.D., C.C.F.P., FAANa OS- Cm. Fellow - Society of Orthopaedic Medicine - Peacefully, on Saturday, December 18th, 2010, at St. Catharines General Hospital following complications arising from a stroke, with his loving wife and family members at his side. Beloved husband for 58 years of Barbara (nee Sampson). Loving father of Ian (Janine Schweitzer), Janet and Derek (Andrea Svenningson). Proud grandfather of Emma and Madeleine Fraser. He will be deeply missed by his older brother Andrew (Jean) and their children (Nancy, Laurie, Bruce and their extended families). Remembered fondly by his brother-in-law John Sampson (Kerstin) and their children (Brett, Olivia, Peter and their extended families). Don was born in Ottawa, Ontario on October 25th, 1926, the son of J.G. Carl Fraser and Annette (Faris). Following graduation from Glebe Collegiate, he attended the University of Toronto, graduating in Medicine in 1951. A gifted physician, scholar and teacher, he practiced Family Medicine in St. Catharines for almost thirty years (1953-1982). In 1983, he devoted his energy and expertise to Orthopaedic Medicine, for which he was internationally known and respected, continuing to see patients for a further twenty-eight years, right up until the very end. In addition to serving as President of numerous provincial, national and international medical and health service associations, Don was a charter member of the American Association of Orthopaedic Medicine, served on its Board of Directors and received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his continuing work in this important field of medicine. Active in the St. Catharines Rotary Club since joining in 1955, Don was a Paul Harris Fellow, a club Past-President and instrumental in the formation of the Rotary Clubs of St. Catharines South and Lakeshore. Of particular note was his perfect attendance (55 years!) in Rotary, an achievement only a rare few can claim. Don was an avid reader, enjoyed extensive travel and celebrated his Scottish heritage with great humour and style. He endeavoured to live every day to the fullest and above all, was gentle, generous and kind. Cremation has taken place. The family will receive visitors at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton Street, St. Catharines, (905)-937-4444, on Friday January 21st, 2011 from 2-4p.m. & 7-9p.m. A Celebration of Dr. Fraser's Life will take place at Silver Spire Church 366 St. Paul Street St. Catharines, on Saturday, January 22nd, 2011 at 11a.m. As expressions of sympathy in lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Niagara Community Foundation (Donald and Barbara Fraser Family Fund) in support of local charities, or another charity of your choice, will be appreciated by the family.