Robert Dean Fraser

Lt. Col. Robert D Fraser, affectionately known as “Papu” by those who loved him, passed away on Feb 11, 2026, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, Washington, at the age of 91. His daughter, Denise, and son, Robert Jr, were at his side.

Robert’s life was filled with adventure, strong family ties, and a love of travel. He grew up in Berkeley, CA, where he attended St Mary’s High School and lettered in basketball. He later graduated with a degree in Industrial Business from UC Berkeley in 1956.

In college, Robert joined the ROTC, and he was commissioned into the US Army in 1956. He served a tour of duty in Korea and two tours of duty in Vietnam, where in 1972 he was appointed Battalion Commander in Pleiku, and earned the prestigious Legion of Merit and two Bronze Stars. He proudly served his country for 22 years and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Robert was of Scottish descent and enjoyed wearing his traditional tartan kilt at family gatherings. For his 90th birthday, Papu was surrounded by his family, including nieces, nephews, grandchildren and lifelong friends, for a joyous celebration of his life and his accomplishments.

An avid skier, Robert was often accompanied by his partner in life, Dorothy Powell, as they traversed the slopes of Colorado, Lake Tahoe, etc. He also enjoyed traveling to Hawaii, to Sunriver (Oregon), and on multiple ocean cruises, often accompanied by his family.

Robert is survived by his partner, Dorothy Powell; two children, Denise Creech (Mark) and Robert Fraser Jr. (Yvonne); five grandchildren, Margeaux Silva (Scott), Alex Fraser, Marissa Fraser, Camille Goodale and Nicholas Fraser; and two great-grandchildren, Zeke Silva and Zoey Silva.

Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 812 Bowker St. SE, Lacey, WA, Monday, Mar. 2nd at 11:00am.

Graveside service will follow on the same day at Mills and Mills Memorial Park, 5725 Littlerock Rd SW, Tumwater, Washington.

Vigil will be held the afternoon before the funeral, Sunday, Mar 1st, 3:00pm – 6:00pm at Mills and Mills Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Alzheimer's Association

https://www.alz.org/

Wounded Warrior Project

https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/