On July 18, 1980 Hugh and Helen Fraser were blessed with the arrival of their third child, a son, William Alexander (Alex) Fraser. He passed away at home on February 27, 2016 from metastatic melanoma.
Alex leaves his wife, Diana, and their three children Lee (5), Eric (3) and Heidi (1), his parents Hugh and Helen Fraser, his sisters Jennifer Fraser (Burke Nesjan, Julia and Amy) and Heather Fraser (Chris Koch, Hudson and Nicola). He also leaves his father and mother in-law, Joe and Elaine Ward, brother and sister in-law, Mat and Erin Ward (Tyler and Mason). As well as numerous Aunts, Uncles, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his Grandparents, Don & Mary Fraser and Eric & Betty Cox, and his brother-in-law, Luke Ward.
Alex brought so much joy to his parents and his sisters, Jennifer and Heather. Together they spent the childhood years enjoying life on their farm in Squam Bay. He was always outside playing with his sisters or cousins or was somewhere around the farm working with the cattle alongside his Dad, Grandpa or Uncle Dan Fraser. There was never any doubt Alex’s true passion was farming and raising cattle.
In 1996 Alex met the love of his life, Diana Ward, and they had built a beautiful life on the ranch. Over their nearly 20 years together they had worked to grow their commercial cattle herd, start a purebred Angus herd, build a beautiful home and raise their three children. Alex was happiest at home spending time with his family, wandering through the cattle or working in the fields. When he was convinced to leave it was generally to attend a family gathering, a bull sale or a cattle show.
Alex attended school in Barriere graduating in 1998. As a teenager Alex was involved in school sports and 4-H. Alex was an 11 year member of the Yellowhead 4-H Club. Alex excelled in 4-H, especially judging, earning top honours numerous times. Alex was well respected by his peers for his willingness to share all he knew about showing cattle.
Like many ranchers, Alex had two jobs. For 13 years, he proudly worked for Stamer Logging running feller buncher, loader, skidder and excavator. Alex was known for his strong work ethic and honesty; he was well respected by his work mates.
Alex had a great sense of humour, was known for his quick wit and cheekiness, and had the ability to “call it as he saw it” without ever causing people to take offence. It was these traits and others that contributed to Alex’s magnetic personality. Many people called Alex their friend.
The family would like to thank all the friends and family who provided support through Alex’s illness. Special thanks to Dr Michael Humphries and his team at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Cancer Care Clinic and Dr Ruth Farren of Kamloops.
Please join us for a celebration of Alex’s life and a tea on April 29, 2016 at 12:00pm at the Barriere Curling Rink. Following the celebration, the family invites all to join them at the ranch for beef on a bun and to share stories.
Condolences may be expressed at: www.schoeningfuneralservice.com