Obituary of Bruce Fraser

Bruce Campbell Fraser (September 16, 1917-March 2, 2009). Bruce was a resident at Maritime Oddfellows Home, Pictou and was spending a few weeks at Willow Hall, N.S. Hospital, Dartmouth, where he passed away and its with sadness that his family announce his passing. Bruce was born in Union Centre, Pictou County, the third child of Duncan MacDonald and Ina May (Ballantyne) Fraser. He was the sixth generation of Alexander Fraser and Marion Campbell and with their family came on the Ship Hector in 1773 and were the first settlers on the Middle River. He grew up on the Fraser dairy farm in Union Centre. When he finished Union Centre School, it was his job each day to deliver milk in bottles by horse and wagon or sled in earlier years and then by car or truck the four miles to the homes in the Town of Westville. The Frasers respected the Sabbath, so the second delivery was made later in the day on Saturday. This continued until pasteurization in the late 40's. Singing was always a part of Bruce’s life. At home with his mother on the organ and his father, brother and three sisters, they had their own choir with soprano, alto, base and baritone. He joined the Middle River Church Choir at 14 years and was part of the first quartet with his father, brother and Cameron Munroe. At 14, he began singing lessons with Mason B. MacKay, New Glasgow and then with Roddie MacLeod, choir director at St. Andrews, Westville. This group traveled to various churches throughout the county and Tatamagouche till Wd. War 2 began. During war years, Bruce was with a quartet group who sang in Truro on Sunday evening and also in county churches. Muriel Goode, organist at St. Paul’s. Westville, began a male chorus and they sang as far away as Lochaber and New Annan and this continued until she passed away. Eleanor Loomer Sutherland also had a group that sang in churches as far away as Glenholm. In the 50's, there was the Pictou County Barber Shoppers with Bill O’Farrell and later Selwyn Smith. J.N. Fraser directed the Caledonia Chorus at Masonic Hall, New Glasgow. They sang at the Roseland Theatre in "The Old Homestead" put on by N.W. Mason. Then, there was the Lyric Male Chorus with director J.N. Fraser. The Chorus sang at the Billy Graham Crusade in Amherst. This event was one of the greatest experiences in Bruce’s life. Later, Sheldon Stewart became director. Following the Springhill Explosion in 1958, they sang at a Memorial Service at one of the churches. Singing in many churches including ones in Moncton, Dartmouth and Truro as well as in Pictou County with the Lyric Male Chorus continued until 1988. In 1950, Bruce purchased land and a building in Westville where he had a milk distribution centre. In 1951, a dwelling with a business on the lower floor was completed. From there, he operated Fraser’s Restaurant until 1976 and Fraser’s Variety Store till he retired on June 30, 1986. Farmers from nearby communities would bring produce including homemade butter, curds, eggs, maple syrup, dressed hens, potatoes as well as other vegetables for him to buy and sell. He remembered eggs being brought in a box filled with oats to keep from freezing in the winter time. Halloween and School Grading Days were important for the children when they visited his store where they were given treats. Bruce’s motto at his store was "If you didn’t have it, get it!". Wherever he went after leaving his store of 35 years, he met people who had come to his store and commented on the meals served, and was always given a big welcome. On July 6, 1986, he married Marjorie Graham Johnson and came to Toney Mills. He became a member of St. David’s Church Choir, Toney River. This is the same church which his great, great grandfather, Alexander Fraser Esq. made a present of the pulpit from the church that stood on the bank of the Middle River during the days of Dr. James MacGregor and thus making the pulpit older that St. David’s itself. Bruce sang with the Scotsburn male Chorus and then with Hector Festival Big Sing from 2000 to 2007. He continued to attend Middle River Church till he entered Glen Haven on June 5, 2008, had been a choir member for over 76 years and an Elder for over 52 years. During Bruce’s retirement, he spent many hours at Union Centre Pioneer Cemetery and Gray Road Cemetery making improvements. He enjoyed traveling with his car, Old Time Dances when he could do the Hop Polka all evening and never tire, repairing anything broken, his garden, planting trees, especially oak , and attending Exhibitions to see the big work horses. Bruce is survived by wife Marjorie; sons, Duncan (Diana), Durham; Bruce (Connie), Wainwright; stepdaughter Heather (Rennie) MacKenzie, Toney River; step son, Walter (Joyce) Johnson, Fort St. John, B.C.; grandchildren, Robert Fraser, Drumheller, Alberta and Brieanna Burke, Wainwright; step grandchildren, Marianna, Molly, Evan Johnson; great grandchildren, Kaden, Tarren, Mackenna, Jasmine; former daughters in law, Brenda, Donna, Jean; brother, Willard, Kirkwood, Missouri; cousin, George (Elizabeth) MacKenzie, Bible Hill; nieces, Marion (John) Mahoney, Churchville, Edith (Jerry) Turner, New Glasgow, Judy (Roger) Webster, Trainor, Iowa; nephews, John (Arlene) MacGregor, Churchville, David (Kathy) Scott, New Glasgow, Bruce (Norma) Fraser, St. Louis, Missouri, Paul Fraser, Belleville, Illinois, Terry (Judy) MacLeod, Priestville, Ronnie (Millie) MacLeod, Tignish, Allan (Barbara) MacLeod, New Glasgow, Bruce (Liz) MacLeod, Little Harbour. He was predeceased by wife, Emma Cavelle Hale (1957); sisters, Grace MacLeod (1996), Marion Scott (1998), Eleanor MacGregor (2007), sister in law, Lillian Hale Ross (1991) who cared for his children following their mother’s passing; sister in law, Joan (2008); nephew, Barry Fraser (1982).. Funeral Service at Middle River Presbyterian Church, Rocklin on March 6, with Rev. Gary Tonks and Rev. Jeanette Fleischer officiating. Family flowers only with donations to Middle River Church Memorial Fund, St. David’s Church Choir or charity of one’s choice. Burial at Gray Rd. Cemetery, Union Centre