Earle M. Fraser died peacefully at his home in
his own bed cared for by his family on Wednesday, September 11,
2019.
Born in Oak Hill, NB., son of the late Thomas B.
and Mildred V. Fraser.
Earle was a hard working man spending most of his
life making a living in the woods. He married his love Bernice in 1964
and they started their life together in Old Ridge. The barn
soon filled up with cattle and they began their farm. He
worked the woods from September until spring. He spent the spring and
summer planting a huge garden and harvesting hay for the cattle. He
would harvest the oats before he returned to the woods so he had straw
for bedding for his animals.
He always enjoyed playing horseshoes no matter
where he was, but he always wanted his own pits. What started out with
one pit grew to 8, and with the help of the local horseshoe club
became known as Fraser Farm with regular tournaments, weekly
practices, and even hosted the provincials in 2017 and 2018.
He had the honour of pitching the ceremonial first shoes at the 2015
Canadian championships. He also had the honour of being named the
oldest active player in Canada at the age of 92. He also has
an award named after him awarded annually to the most dedicated and
sportsmanlike member of the club. He enjoyed the camaraderie of his
fellow pitchers even after he was unable to pitch
himself.
He was a strong family man and took his greatest
pride in his children and grandchildren. Anytime they arrived at the
house he would appear from what he was doing to have a talk and see
what they were up to.
He was loved and respected by many, would help
anyone who needed it but could not stand laziness. He had a
great sense of humour, enjoyed friends stopping in for a coffee and
one of Bernice’s homemade cookies or doughnuts. He
loved too eat, and eat on time. There will be a coffee break in heaven
at 9:30 and 2:30 everyday.
Earle is survived by his wife of 55 years,
Bernice (Hopps), children: Lisa MacLean (Jamie), Tom Fraser, Stephanie
Fraser Brown (Kenny), all of Old Ridge, NB., beloved grandchildren,
Emily and Maxwell Brown, niece, Nancy Arsenault of Sussex,
NB.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by
one son, Brent Earle, one daughter, Esther Ruth, three brothers:
Donald, Charles and John, one sister,
Katherine.
Resting at The S. O. Mehan & Son Funeral
Home Ltd., 23 Main Street, St. Stephen, NB from where the funeral
service will be held on Monday, September 16, 2019 at 2 PM. Visiting
hours will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, September 15, 2019
from 2-4 and 6-8 PM.
For those who wish, donations in
Earle’s memory may be made to New Life Christian Assembly or
a charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the
family online at www.mehanfuneralhome.ca