William Francis Fraser

Surrounded by his loving family, it is with humble hearts that we, the family of William "Willie" Francis Fraser (100 years) announce his peaceful passing at his home in the Highland Villa of the Inverary Manor, Inverness, on Sunday, March 22, 2015. Born at St. Rose, Cape Breton, on March 5,1915, Willie was the son of the late Simon Fraser and Mary Isabel (MacKinnon) Fraser. Willie is survived by his twelve children Roddie (Docile), Port Hawkesbury; Maureen (Larry) Doyle, Earnscliff, P.E.I.; Billy, Deepdale; Clare (Cameron) MacQuarrie, Inverside; A.R. (Claire), Inverness; Wayne (Marlow), Winnipeg, MB; Gary (Lucy), Deepdale; Eugene (Sandra) Inverness; Doug (Carrie), Deepdale; Eric, Dartmouth; Kathleen, Aurora, ON; Gerald, Halifax. Also survived by twenty-five grandchildren and nine great- grandchildren. Willie was predeceased by his loving wife Kathleen ‘Kay’ (MacNeil) Fraser and by his brothers John Joe (Jack), Angus, Joe Archie and Neil; his sisters Theresa, Mary Anne, Annie Sarah, Cassie and Margaret (Stark). Willie’s heart was clothed with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and a timely sense of humor. His love of his family, music, dance, the Gaelic language and song transcended generations and oceans. At the young age of 82 Willie was asked to bring back to his ancestral home (Scotland) his ‘close to the floor’ traditional style of step dancing which he learned at the knee of his father, grandmother, and dream teacher. Willie was recognized for his contribution to the Scottish Culture by: The Broad Cove Concert, 1991; Fàilte gu Ceòlas, traditional music school in South Uist, Scotland, 1996; Inverness Centennial Committee, 2004; Her Honour the Honourable Myra A. Freeman, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, 2005; the Celtic Colours International Festival, 2007. Willie has been interviewed by numerous members of the media and researchers including several BBC documentaries chronicling his life as a standard bearer of the Scottish Culture in Cape Breton. In all things he held his trust in God with all his heart. To the world, Willie was a Gaelic speaker, a Gaelic singer, and an exceptional step dancer as documented in the video ‘God Bless Your Feet’. Willie was a community man, a good neighbor, and friend and always valued an honest day’s work. Willie worked on the land, on the sea, underground and in the forest. Willie often remarked, “he was never out of work”. This was due to his resourceful nature. Willie gave freely of his talents dancing at community and church picnics supporting worthy causes. In his home there was always “room for one more” at his kitchen table of plenty. Many friendly games of Auction and 45’s were played at that same table. But the temperature did rise occasionally on Saturdays during Hockey Night in Canada when Willie’s Habs would ‘face off’ against Kay’s Leafs but this was mainly due to the wood stove. Willie said he would reach his 100-year and as expected he achieved his dream(s). Willie lived his life by a simple rule,“ do not judge others, so that you may not be judged”. Willie lived a faith filled joyous life and was loved by all who had the privilege of his friendship. Visitation will be held at the Inverness Funeral Home on Saturday, March 28, 2015 from 7pm to 9pm; Sunday, March 29, 2015 from 2pm to 4pm and 7pm to 9pm with Funeral mass to follow on Monday, March 30, 2015 at 11am at the St. Margaret of Scotland Church in Broad Cove, Cape Breton with Rev. Duncan MacIsaac officiating. Burial in the parish cemetery at a later date. Donations in Dad’s memory may be made to the Inverary Manor or the Broad Cove Concert Stage. Online condolences may be made to www.invernessfuneralhome.com.