GAVIN WILSON FRASER

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GAVIN WILSON FRASER April 16, 1931 - January 22, 2016 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle at the Grace Hospital on January 22, 2016. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years, Edith (nee Laycock), sons Bradley (Sandra) and Jeffrey (Judi), and daughters Sharon-Lee Fraser Remple (Neal) and Sheila Fraser; his grandchildren, Kimberley Vassilicopoulos (Nik), Lindsay Woodnick (Jason), Michael Fraser; Kara Fraser; Matthew, Jonathan and Sarah Remple; and Alexa-Rae, Hayden, and Farrah Hirsch. Also mourning his loss is sister Emilie Wall (Kevin), sister-in-law Loreen VanWyck (Bill), many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. He will be deeply missed by his Best Man and best friend Bob McEwen. Wilson was predeceased by his parents Ernest and Marion (Minnie) Fraser, an infant brother, sister and brother-in-law Marie and Gordon Sim, parents-in-law Wilfred and Maud Laycock, and Gertrude Laycock. Wilson was born in Russell, Manitoba and grew up on the family farm in Silverton. In 1949 he moved to Winnipeg, and earned his Chartered Accountant designation in 1954. That same year, he married the love of his life, Edith Laycock. He worked for John Deere for two years, travelling around Canada and the United States with Edith but finally settled in Winnipeg to raise their family. Wilson began working for the accounting firm of Chambers Chiswell, eventually joining as a partner with the renaming of the firm Chambers, Fraser and Co. After retiring from the firm in 1992, Wilson continued to take part in social activities connected with the firm and was respected as a partner, employer, and friend. Wilson was an active member in the Masonic fraternity, including membership in both Beaver Ionic and Tuscan Lodges, as well as the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. Wilson was also a founding member of the Rotary Club of St. James-Assiniboia. He was a very active member of the club in the early years. One of Dad's favourite places to relax was at the cottage at Gull Lake. He and Mom bought a cottage there in 1967. Summers were spent boating, water skiing, fishing, swimming, working on a multitude of "projects" and just sitting on the dock or beach enjoying each other's company and the beauty of the lake. Upon retirement, Wilson and Edith also spent many years travelling to Mesa, Arizona where they owned a home. They made many friends and were involved with Old Time dancing, "shuffling", golfing, and outings with the Masonic Lodge. Dad had many interests including pocket watch and clock repair, collecting coins and guns, watching (and analyzing) the play of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Winnipeg Jets, bee keeping, farming, keeping current with technology with his laptop and I-pad, and following current events and the stock market. Dad had a phenomenal mind for numbers and dates. Dad's primary interest, though, was his family. He was devoted to his wife, Edith, and his children and grandchildren. We have all been blessed from a life modelled by love, integrity, a strong work ethic, generosity, and faithfulness. He was fiercely proud of his children's and grandchildren's varied accomplishments. We are grateful for the many years of care our dad received from Dr. Fletcher at the Assiniboine Clinic and from the many doctors, nurses, and aides at the Grace Hospital during his brief illness. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that friends and family honour Wilson's memory by making a donation to the charity of their choice. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be no formal service at this time. The immediate family will celebrate Wilson's life this coming summer in a private service. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 "The time is here for me to leave this life. I have done my best in the race. I have run the full distance, and I have kept the faith. And now there is waiting for me the victory prize of being put right with God." Doyle's Funeral Home in Carman is in care of arrangements. www.doylesfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 26, 2016