John Donald “Don” Fraser - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Don on June 18, 2024; a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a great-grandfather. He leaves behind his loving wife of 62 years, Annie Faye (Watson); daughters, Joyce (Luther) Sears, Sheila (Dan) Chauvin, Heather Deyarmond (Mike), Janice (Greg) Miller; beloved grandchildren, Cassandra (Tanner), Allison (Mike), Sarah (Derek), Aaron, Nathan, Brendan (Elena), Chelsea (Chris), Lindsay (Oliver), Ben, Thomas and Annie; great-grandchildren, Eowyn, Emerson, Brandt, Logan, Luca, Eloise and Clara; sisters, Mary Boston and Lois (Bob) Kelly; brother, Irwin (Sandra) Fraser; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by sister, Louise Daine and brother, Jim Fraser.
Don was born to Logan and Cassie (Parsons) Fraser in Medford, NS, a place that remained in his heart his whole life. He began his lifelong carpentry career working with Parsons Construction in Moncton in the late 1950’s. He and Faye met in Shubenacadie, married in 1962, then moved to Moncton where they lived and started their family. In 1967, with three children in tow, they moved next door to Don’s parents in Shubenacadie. Don loved his career and would often travel down to Cape Cod during the 1970’s to work with his cousins. He was generous with his time, helping anyone in need - his children, siblings, friends, strangers. He was able to do anything with wood - design, build, repair; fix vehicles and tinker with anything mechanical. He fixed many chairs whether as a project for someone or just because he found it abandoned on the side of the road. And clocks. He developed quite a passion for clocks and you could certainly see that just walking through his home or his shop. He loved yard-saling and always insisted on a good bargain. Fond memories of Don include camping with the old school bus in the 1970's; his competitive card playing, his travels with Faye to explore new places even as far away as Alaska; clam digging (how Don did enjoy a good feast of freshly dug clams); fishing at Spencer's Island; and of course, visiting with friends and family near and far. Don had a special place in his heart for his dogs, Maggie and Nicki and his cats, Hobo, Garfield and most recently, Lucky. They were never far from his side and it was not uncommon to see Lucky curled up on his puzzle or his woodworking project or hanging out in the shop. He was proud of his children and grandchildren, always visiting wherever they lived and never without a bag of tools in tow or words of advice. He adored his great-grandchildren, his face lighting up when he saw them. Don will be remembered for his love of his wife, his family, and repairing an endless amount of chairs.
A service will be held in Shubenacadie United Church on Friday, July 5, 2024 at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow in the Church Hall. A private family burial will take place the same day at Medford Cemetery, Kings Co. 4 p.m. An open reception will follow in Kingsport United Church for those unable to make the Shubenacadie service. Family flowers only and any donations may be made to the Shubenacadie United Church, Kingsport United Church or Heart and Stroke Foundation.
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