Obituary of Johnnie Fraser

John Murray "Johnnie" Fraser, Durham, passed away peacefully in Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow, on Thursday, March 21, 2013. Johnnie was born in the Stonehouse in Durham, Nova Scotia, on September 3, 1921, the youngest son of John Herbert "Jack" and Louisa Marion (Beer) Fraser. Dad married our mother, Edith Almira MacKenzie, life-long friend, in Durham on December 28, 1946 and they spent 66 wonderful years together. Dad worked at various jobs during his lifetime – farming, sales, carpentry, but he spent most of his work years selling, installing and repairing water pumps. He was known as Johnnie "Pump" to many. In May 1990, Dad sold Frasers Water Pumps and began a well-deserved retirement, enjoying time at his cottage in Seafoam, gardening, wood-working, travelling and spending time with his family. Dad believed in contributing to his community. He was a member of the Bible Hill, Scotsburn and West River Volunteer Fire Departments. He was an elder at St. James Presbyterian Church, Truro; he was also an elder at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, Windsor, Superintendent of their Sunday School and a lay preacher. Dad was a member of the Durham Presbyterian Church, serving as an elder, and he was an active member of the Durham Men’s Club. He was also a member of the Pictou County Crime Prevention Association. As a member of community and church committees, Dad was often involved in providing fun activities for the community’s children – outdoor skating, sleigh rides, picnics, visits by Santa Claus. Dad was an animal lover and family pets were especially dear to him. One important lesson we learned from Dad was to respect nature and to enrich our environment by planting trees. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Edith, his sons, Kenneth and Robert Fraser, his daughters, Ruth Lann and Margaret Fraser (Alan Buckler); his grandchildren, Ben (Mary), Marie (Justin), Jeffrey, Stephanie and Samantha; extended family and friends. Visitations were held on Sunday from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm at Eagles Funeral Home, Westville. His funeral service was held 2 o’clock Monday from the Durham Presbyterian Church, Durham with the Rev. Barb Fotheringham officiating. Interment will be in Durham Cemetery at a later date. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to Pictou County SPCA or Durham Presbyterian Church