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Robert Fraser - March 9, 2012

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ROBERT ARNOTT GILLESPIE FRASER It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bob on Friday, March 9, 2012, at Grace Hospital after a lengthy struggle following surgery. Left to cherish his memory are this brother Bill (Wendy) of England, his children Sheila (Don) of Winnipeg, Kevin (Olga) of Calgary, Bob (Eleanor) of Morden; his grandchildren Grant (Nancy), Jennifer, Neil (Jen), Kathy (Kevin), Mark (Karen), Ian (Calista), Michael (Leanne) and 16 great-grandchildren, all of whom will always remember their beloved Pop. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Frances, his parents Jean and James, his brother James and sister Connie. Bob was born on September 27, 1922, in Arbroath, Scotland, where he was raised with his brothers, Bill and James, and his sister Connie. When the Second World War broke out, Bob joined the Royal Air Force and was stationed in a variety of locations throughout the world. After being discharged, Bob went into the printing trade and became a journeyman printer. While stationed in England during the War he met the love of his life, Frances, whom he married in 1944. They spent 42 wonderful years together. He never stopped grieving her and they are now reunited. In 1957, Bob emigrated to Winnipeg with Frances and their three children. He began working for Public Press and eventually worked his way up to manager. Bob was also President of the Graphics Arts Board of Canada and was involved in the development of the printing industry. While Bob always strove to be a leader in his chosen profession, his real passion was the bagpipes. His philosophy could be described as the quintessential Pay it Forward. As a child in Scotland he took bagpipe lessons from an instructor who refused to take payment. His only request was that Bob continue the tradition by teaching others to play. Bob spent the rest of his life doing this. On his arrival in Canada he founded the Lord Selkirk Boy Scout Pipe Band and 54 years later was still passing on his knowledge. Band practice was held every Saturday morning, while individual and group lessons were held at Bob's home almost every evening of the week. He never asked for payment. His reward was watching the generations of boys he taught turn into successful adults. Throughout his piping career Bob was also the Pipe Major of the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders and the St. Andrew's Society Pipe Band. The family would like to thank the staff at Deer Lodge Centre, Victoria and Grace Hospitals for the compassionate care they provided Bob during his stay. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lord Selkirk Boys Pipe Band, 84 Leon Bell Dr, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5X1, or a charity of choice. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, March 19 at 11:00 a.m. at Assiniboia Christian Centre, 3390 Portage Ave. Interment at Assumption Cemetery

As published in the Winnipeg Free Press on March 13, 2012

http://passages.winnipegfreepress.com/passage-details/id-189150/name-Robert_Fraser/min-run-date-1329804000/date-range-month/classification-id-1/last-name-fraser/order-publish_date%7CDESC,last_name%7CASC,first_name%7CASC/

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