THE OBITUARY OF
Fraser Allan MacLean
December 10, 1925 – July 6, 2023
Fraser Allan MacLean was born in New Westminster on December 10, 1925 and died on July 6, 2023 in Victoria at the age of 97. He passed peacefully with family around him, having spent a morning recalling well-loved stories of hijinks from his youth. Ever the gentleman, he announced his imminent departure, wished us all well and then quietly slipped away to join his beloved wife Peggy (née Calder) who predeceased him in 2016 after 68 years of marriage.
Fraser was the only son of Clarence and Helen (née Sangster) MacLean. His father was a gifted mechanic who loved hunting and fishing, and shared these enthusiasms with his son. Fraser spent many happy hours learning about machinery in his father’s New Westminster auto repair business, and accompanying his dad on extended fishing and hunting trips throughout B.C. Fraser’s other youthful pursuits included playing clarinet in the Duke of Connaught High School band, which whetted his lifelong interest in music.
Fraser attended UBC and graduated in 1947 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Shortly thereafter he began his long career in the B.C. public service, starting as an equipment inspector with the Department of Public Works in Victoria. He transferred to the Department of Highways in 1956 and held various senior positions in that department during the ensuing 15 years. He was a valued member of the team of senior civil servants who oversaw the massive modernization and expansion of the Province’s highway and ferry system during that period. In 1971 he was appointed Deputy Minister of Commercial Transport, and retired nine years later.
Despite a demanding work schedule, Fraser always made time for his family. He and Peggy built a nurturing environment for their four children. Later, he took a keen interest in his numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. All are left with warm and cherished memories of his influence.
Fraser was extremely bright and had a keen sense of humour. He fearlessly took on projects for which he had no prior experience or training; he had a well-founded confidence in his ability to learn whatever was needed to reach his goals. He designed and mostly self-built the family home in Cadboro Bay, despite never having done either before. He and Peggy lived happily in that house on Scolton Road for over 60 years, leaving only to enter assisted living at Amica Somerset House in 2014. He built his own boat for fishing and water skiing, which received regular use by the family over many years. He made his own arc welder and became proficient at welding. He earned his pilot’s license and flew propeller-driven aircraft. He became an avid and successful gardener, cultivating prodigious volumes of produce — sometimes rather more than Peggy was happy about preserving.
Fraser also was a founding member of the Victoria Village Squires barbershop chorus (now known as South Island Harmony) and spent many cheerful decades with that organization and its associated quartets as a dependable baritone.
Fraser and Peggy enjoyed a wide circle of friends and until their later years kept up a busy social life. They danced at McMorran’s, enjoyed the St. George’s Anglican Church Couples Club, played tennis and bridge, hiked and travelled extensively. They pursued their many interests with an exuberance that inspired others.
Fraser’s children extend gratitude to the staff of Amica Somerset House for their conscientious support of both Fraser and Peggy during their residency there.
Fraser was predeceased by his wife Peggy and his sisters Genevieve and Beryl, and is survived by his four children Pam (Jim), Ian (Roz), Jamie and Kathy (Garry). His strong character helped shape the lives of 13 grandchildren: Michael, Jason (Jessica), Paul (Jenny), James, Duncan (Grace), Heather (Henry), Victoria, Lachlan (Myka), Fraser, Colin (Bailey), Kyle (Damaris), Eva (Josh) and Timothy (Stephanie). He was proud of his 14 great-grandchildren: Jonathan, Kian, Amy, Cosanna, Geordie, Madeline, Piper, Katherine, Janella, Madeleine, Abigail, Arthur, Jude and Margot.
A celebration of Fraser’s well-lived life will take place via a memorial livestream on September 23, 2023, in addition to informal local gatherings.
To remember and honour Fraser — go fishing, grow vegetables, play tennis, sing in harmony, dance often, laugh freely, and embrace the full potential of every day.
This obituary originally appeared in the Victoria Times Colonist on Sunday, July 23, 2023.
The family acknowledges the professional support of First Memorial Funeral Services of Victoria,
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Messages of sympathy and remembrance
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Three years ago my son Kian received a history magazine with stories about Canada's WW2 history. It really hit the mark, but also suggested that there are still those alive with memories of wartime and we should reach out to them. I knew Great Grandpa hadn't seen active duty, but there had been some sort of involvement, and so we reached out to learn more. I wanted to share the details I got so others could know the story as well. During World War 2 Fraser attended university instead of joining up because those who were qualified to attend university were encouraged to continue their education, and perform some military training, until called upon to serve. Countries had learned from WW1 that if they sent every able-bodied man to fight that economic recovery after the war would take much longer. His training was supposedly naval, though he didn’t recall them ever having access to any boats, as everything was allocated to the war effort. They were lucky if they made it out on a rowboat. However he did recall going on one “training” trip. He and his fellow university/naval cohort from both UBC and UVic were stokers on a ship called the “Arm and Tears”, an old WW1 boat, headed to Comox and back. A stoker’s job was to shovel coal while it was being loaded on to the boat, moving it into the corners and far areas so the boat could be fully loaded up. It was dirty, heavy, labour. Between 50 or 60 trainees were on the trip, despite the ship only having room for 20. This meant everyone had to sleep in hammocks, strung between the stanchions of the lower decks, and for some this was their first time sleeping in a hammock. Unfortunately the weather was rough, and because there had been little other training at sea some of the trainees weren’t used to the waves and ended up getting sick. The noise and smell in the cramped quarters drove him to don his greatcoat and head up on deck for most of the night. While not the most glamorous of stories, I love it. Since hearing it an image of young Fraser has formed in my mind; on deck in stormy seas, perhaps looking at the stars, perhaps thinking of his girlfriend Peggy, most of his life still ahead of him. Still a young man. As a grandchild for my entire life Fraser has been “Grandpa” and it was hard to think of him as anything but. Hearing him recall his youth was a true gift. Both as a connection to the past, and to see a different dimension of my Grandfather. If any other members of the family read this, and have stories they'd like to share, either from Grandpa's life or including him I encourage you to post them here. I would love to read them.
Shared by Lachlan MacLean on
When we think of Fraser, we are reminded of his many charming qualities. He was quick witted, kind, thoughtful and informative. In other words, it was always a delight to engage in an interesting and lively conversation with Fraser. In 1982 we were newcomers to the neighborhood as well as to gardening. At first, we didn’t have great success with our own growing skills, but we were often the recipients of some of Fraser’s bounty of fresh vegetables and fruit. The Moneymaker tomatoes were particularly delicious, and often our boys would bring home a shopping bag or two of apples which made for lovely pink applesauce. Fraser and Peggy hold a special place in our hearts; it was a total delight to have them as neighbors... lucky us! We extend our sincere condolences to the families of Fraser.
Shared by Holly and Michael Groves on
I’m sorry for your loss. Fraser & Peg were good friends of my parents, Jim & Marion (Broder) Doyle. Fraser and Dad kept in touch until shortly before Dad’s death in Nov 2021. We were often regaled with stories of their youth, particularly those involving their escapades in their 1913 Cadillac. Best wishes to you all.
Shared by Faye West on via Legacy.com
Off to sing in the heavenly choir. Way to go Fraser...96 years young! They always need baritones. xxx
Shared by Julie Smith on via Legacy.com
I send my deepest sympathy to Fraser’s family. I remember him well from when my late husband and I worked for the then “Ministry of Highways.” He was such a gentle giant and a treasure to know.
Shared by Jo-Anne Vickers on via Legacy.com
Always considerate of others, an expert in the physics of music & engineering. “The wheels won’t go down,” blurted “FLYIN’ PHIL GAGLARDI.” Fraser jumped on the floor, the wheels descended, they safely landed. “Basic PHYSICS,” said Fraser. We’ll sing the final TAG with you, old friend.
Shared by Doug S. on via South Island Harmonizer newsletter
A wonderful gentleman who lived and breathed the “Craft,” Fraser’s treatment of “The Circle of Fifths” was quite something. Adieu Fraser, RIP.
Shared by Bob D. on via South Island Harmonizer newsletter
The last of the Tradewinds. Former director of the Pacificaires. A baritone’s baritone. Avid quartetter. The list goes on...... RIP, Fraser!
Shared by Ed J. on via South Island Harmonizer newsletter
Outside of singing Fraser was a gardener. He liked grafting fruit trees and had an apple tree with multiple varieties all on one tree.
Shared by George B. on via South Island Harmonizer newsletter
My biggest memory of Fraser is looking at his music one day in the early 90s. It was covered with all kinds of coloured markings. He explained that he goes through his music and makes a notation of what part in the chord the baritone note is — whether it’s the 3rd, 5th, root etc. He explained to me it made a difference in how he sings the note. Wow, I thought — perhaps I should shift back to lead! He said he would explain how he worked that all out sometime, and I was determined to ask him someday. Sadly, I never did, and I’m sorry I missed out in what I’m sure would have been a special time together. He was always so supportive of us lesser baritones. He had such a great smile — even in his later years. Thanks, Fraser — you made us all better.
Shared by Kent C. on via South Island Harmonizer newsletter
When I joined the chorus in 2005, Fraser was assigned to be my roommate as we went to competition in Abbotsford. From that day onwards Fraser was a wonderful mentor and friend — and, I say proudly, quartet mate. Fraser was the consummate gentleman — kind, firm and fair. For those who complain that I spend too much time emphasizing chord structures and balances — blame it on the moment I asked Fraser to explain the name of one of my favourite chords — what turned out to be the Chinese 7th chord — soon to be outdone by a 7/9 chord! We spent hours looking at chord progressions and learning how to balance chords... to “make them ring!” It is rare in our lives that we meet someone who influences our lives the way Fraser has helped shaped mine. Let’s always remember to sing for that joy. Thanks Fraser!
Shared by Allan J. on via South Island Harmonizer newsletter
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