George Herbert Fraser, aged 87, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2024. He was a beloved husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.
George is survived by his loving wife Betty of 54 years, his children Jason, Kevin (Robin), and Annemarie (Joost). He was the proud grandfather of Tessa and Sander. He was an uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Doug and sister-in-law Pat.
George was born in Sudbury and remembered his time living at Long Lake fondly. He spent his teenage and early adult years in Toronto, where he received a doctorate in Chemistry from the University of Toronto. After a short career as a chemist in Toronto and Montreal, he spent more than 25 years at the National Research Council of Canada in Ottawa with the Industrial Research Assistance Program. During the NRC centennial celebrations, a tree was planted in his honour to recognize his contribution to the development of this world-renowned program.
George had a love for history and literature, and was seldom without a book or a magazine. Long before Google, his family could count on him to accurately remember obscure facts read in a book long ago. Until recently, he was an active man, who could often be found on long after-dinner walks or cross country skiing around the neighbourhood.
George suffered from dementia in his later years, which he faced with grace, never losing his kind spirit or his love for Betty.
Thanks to the staff of Governor’s Walk Retirement Residence, Bayshore Health Care, and Bytown Palliative Medicine for their compassionate care for George.
In lieu of flowers, donations in George's name can be made to the Ottawa Food Bank, or the charity of your choice.
A service will be held at a later date.
George lived a long and happy life and will be dearly missed by his family.
Digital Guestbook
Terry and John Davies
Cam Fraser
God bless you Uncle George. Love Cam & Tricha
Lisa Schlehuber and Craig Gibson
Annemarie, Betty, Jason, and Kevin - wow - amazing legacy. Annemarie - You and your family are a testament to how great a dad (and Grandpa) he was. Sending our love.
Mark and Darlene Riley
To the Fraser family: We are very sorry for your loss. Darlene and I have known Jason since we all started our careers in Ottawa at Nortel. Jason is a dependable, kind, sharing person and available when friends/family are in need. It was nice to read the history of George and Jason is truly a reflection of his father and mother, who raised amazing caring kids — thinking of you all during this time.
ALFRED DELUCA
I will always remember George as an impressive walker as he walked a very long way, every day, to get to work and back home, when he first joined the NRC. George organized many retiree luncheon gatherings over the years and this legacy continues to this day. He was a very likable man.
George was a neighbour and friend for more than forty years and our daughters grew up together. A quiet, gentle and respectful man who will be greatly missed.