Donald Harry Fraser

Don was a humble, generous, thoughtful and loving person who cared deeply about people in particular and humanity in general. Although Don was often severely impacted by mental illness for much of his adult life, he was able to stabilize with the help of proper diagnosis and treatment, and dedicated his life to giving back. He helped thousands of people in the community with similar challenges; through speaking, volunteering and becoming an effective and popular peer support worker. Don will always be admired for his kindness towards others, skill as a listener without judgement, willingness to engage, and selfless and calm approach to life.

Born in Prince George, BC, Don grew up in in West Vancouver, Surrey and Sheridan Lake (near 100 Mile House). He was very bright and childhood testing revealed a genius level IQ. A voracious reader, he excelled in school. Don was an excellent soccer and hockey goalie, and a wicked table tennis and tennis player (winning the local under 16 tournament at age 13). In the Cariboo, he was active in X-Country skiing, horseback riding and 4H Club.

Don was an excellent musician, playing piano from a young age, playing trombone and tuba in his high school band, and writing songs. Don performed solo and with his neighbors and siblings, including the group “Trails End” with his brother. All his life he kept his love of music and was a frequent concert attendee and collector of Jazz, Progressive Rock, and Ambient music. Don is fondly remembered for the way he would sit down at a piano anywhere and improvise beautiful music.

Don was the third of four children and maintained loving relationships with his older sisters Meg and Kate, and younger brother, Bruce throughout his life. After graduating high school, Don attended UBC for a semester but in the spring of 1979 fell ill with his first psychotic episode. He lived in Vancouver and struggled with his illness for many years, living in and out of institutions. He moved to Nanaimo in the 1990’s, found support in the mid-island mental health community, and slowly became more stable. In 2005 Don was recognized and celebrated by the Coast Mental Health Foundation for his story of triumph against adversity and was given the Courage to Come Back Award.

A quick learner with an inquisitive nature, Don easily developed computer skills that served him well at work and at home. He contributed to online groups where he could offer his experience and wisdom to help others; he loved poetry and enjoyed exploring many political and spiritual ideas, and became a member of the local Eckankar community.

From the early 2000’s until his death, Don spent many hours volunteering and serving in the mental health community: speaking publicly to parents, caregivers and students to educate them and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness; acting as a consultant and board member with various mental health teams, and working for Island Health providing Peer Support Services, supporting those in need in every way he could. He sought education and training, completing his St. John’s Emergency First Aid training in Community Care, Mental Health First Aid, and the Counselling Skills Level I and II program at VIU.

Don is survived by his sisters, Meg and Kate, brother Bruce (Trish), nieces, Amy, Megan, Sarah, Ayla and Jenna, nephew Auren, grand-nieces, Avery, Autumn, Lumi and Ocea and grand-nephews Miguel, Lochlan, and Hugo. Don was predeceased by his father, Colin Fraser, mother Diane Wardle and step-father, John Wardle.

In support of Don’s legacy, please consider making a donation to Mental Health Recovery Partners https://mhrpci.com or a charity of your choice.