Robert Glen Fraser

"Glen" Robert Fraser was known as many things to many people. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Glen will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

      Glen was born on July 18, 1925 in his parents home at 7250 Main Street (57th Avenue) in Municipality of South Vancouver, British Columbia. He was the son of May and Peter Fraser. Glen grew up in South Vancouver.

      Glen was raised with one sibling. He had one older brother, Bruce. Glen was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his brother. He and his brother experienced many rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

      As a young boy, Glen had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. Glen was an active child who took part in swimming in the Fraser River, baseball, building tree forts, and fishing. Glen's memorable achievements as a child included planting a memorial tree in front of JW. Sexsmith Elementary School, a tree which still stands today. However, to Glen, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

      A typical teenager, Glen had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. Cars, were his first love, especially his "yellow streak", and hanging out at Buss's store.

      Always considered a “good” friend to those he knew, Glen enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. While growing up, some of his best friends were his brother Bruce, Howard Pope, and Ernie Buss. Later in life, he became friends with Ned Dykes, and Gordon Nelson.

      On October 5, 1946, Glen exchanged wedding vows with Edna Shirley Biles at St. Michael's Anglican Church in Vancouver, BC. Empathic and loyal, Glen was committed to making his new family happy.

      Glen worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Glen was blessed with four children, two daughters, Linda (dec.1982) Shirley Louise, two sons, Glen Jr. and William (Bill) . Another blessing for Glen was the gift of three grandchildren, Tracy, Bonnie, and Sheri.

      Fortunately, Glen enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Glen worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was as a Shipper/Purchasing Agent. He was employed for 43 years by MacMillan Bloedel (Vancouver Plywood Division). Glen always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

      Glen was an Navy Veteran. He was stationed on the convoy ship, HMCS Eyebright, which patrolled the North Atlantic in World War II. His fellow soldiers viewed him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

      Glen enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were working with wood, and gardening. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

   Glen found pleasure in sports. Recreational sports included golf with Glen Jr., and boating in the boat he built in the basement of the family home on Main Street. Glen was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he had the chance to do so.

      Throughout his life, Glen was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout his later years, Glen was an active member of the Army & Navy Veterans Assoc., Masonic Trinity Lodge # 88, Cub Scouts Leader at St. Lukes Church, and as an auxiliary member of the Vancouver Police Department.

      Glen was a man who took pride in upholding his beliefs. So it is little wonder that he took an active role in his community, serving on committees for the Sunset Community Center.

      Though he never set out to gain individual recognition, Glen was given accolades for his many and varied accomplishments throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included his Navy Medals and the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal awarded to him in 2012, for his contribution to his country and community.

      Glen enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included Hawaii, Cruising to the Caribbean and Alaska.

      Glen was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorites was Jiggs, a scottish terrier. They were best friends for 20 years. His family pets were rounded out by Bobbi, a cocker spaniel and Sammy, the cat.

       In retirement, he found new pleasure in his beach home at Point Roberts, Washington, playing golf, beach combing, traveling, and gardening. Many a fun weekend, were had at the beach house. Even in retirement, Glen continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Glen was active in his new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

      Glen passed away on April 23, 2014 at St. Vincent's - Langara Hospital in Vancouver, BC. He is survived by his two sons, William, Glen Jr. and his daughter Shirley Louise. Services were held at Ocean View Chapel . Glen was laid to rest in Evergreen Garden, Ocean View Burial Park.

      Simply stated, Glen was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Glen leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Glen for his smile and his laughter.

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FRASER, Robert Glen

Born July 18, 1925 in South Vancouver

Passed Away in his 89th year on April 23, 2014.

Robert Glen Fraser was born in South Vancouver on Saturday July 18, 1925 and passed away in Vancouver on Wednesday April 23rd, 2014

Predeceased by his loving wife Shirley (2001) and his eldest daughter Linda (1982). Survived by his sons, William, Glen Jr. (Marilyn) and daughter Shirley Louise Alexander (Paul); three granddaughters, Tracy, Bonnie, Sheri and their families. Longtime resident of South Vancouver, Glen attended Sexsmith Elementary and John Oliver Secondary School. After school, Glen worked at Macmillan Bloedel (Vancouver Plywood) for 43 years before retiring. Glen was a great dad, grandpa and will be sadly missed by all. A Memorial Service to be held on Saturday, May 10th 2014, 1:00 pm at Ocean View Funeral Home, 4000 Imperial Street, Burnaby, B.C. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Diabetes (BC) Association would be appreciated.

To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit our website at www.oceanviewfuneral.com