Clifton Archie “Cliff” Fraser, beloved husband of Laura, passed away at the Vulcan Community Health Centre on May 24, 2003 at the age of 77.
Cliff was born December 21, 1925 on a farm east of Carmangay. He was the eldest son of Richard and Gertrude Fraser. Cliff attended schools in Lethbridge and county schools east of Carmangay. In 1944 he joined the navy and was stationed in Windsor, Ontario. Cliff left the navy in 1945. In 1946 he worked in a bakery in the Crowsnest Pass but developed an allergy to flour so he had to quit. Cliff joined the army reserves (Calgary Highlanders) in the late 40’s and served for six years.
In 1951, Cliff met Laura Shumaker and they were wed on October 17, 1952. He began driving Calgary City bus in 1953 and a son Richard Henry was born that year. After about a year of city life, they moved back to Carmangay and he worked as a farm hand for both Rob Clark and John McFarland. It was during this time that a daughter Patricia Eleanor was born. In the mid 1950’s he became a second man for the Alberta Wheat Pool, working in a variety of places. Eventually he became an elevator agent stationed at Stobart, a siding near Gleichen. While at Stobart, he took time off to join the army, Provocor Sector (Military Police) and took his training at Camp Shilo. After four months he had to leave because his legs couldn’t take the marching. He returned to Stobart and welcomed a second son Cameron Robert.
In 1963 the family moved to Vulcan where Cliff worked as a clerk in a liquor store and in the plumbing business. In 1964, the family moved to his father’s farm where he became a mixed farmer. That same year a third son, Darren Patrick, was born. Cliff farmed until his retirement in 1991 and then moved into the Village of Carmangay.
He enjoyed life and liked to tell stories of some of his escapades. Hunting and fishing were his favorite pastimes. Cliff’s favorite flower was the yellow rose. He enjoyed playing poker Saturday nights with family. He also enjoyed playing crib and other card games as well as Bingo. Cliff loved to collect things like key chains, recipes, bolts, frying pans, cook books, grease guns, old books and many other things. He was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #4, Lethbridge for 47 years.
Cliff is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Laura, a daughter Patti (Kelly) Greene , three sons Cameron, Darren (Peggy) all of Carmangay, Richard (Deb) of Edmonton, seventeen grandchildren, four sisters Evelyn Root of Lethbridge, Betty (Delmar) Greene, Deana (Jim) O’Conner both of Carmangay, Heather Love of Raymond, two brothers Henry (Joan) Fraser of Carmangay, William (Linda) Fraser of Lethbridge, numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral Service was held Wednesday May 28, 2003 at 1:30 P.M. at the Carmangay Community Centre with Bishop Mayne Root officiating.
Internment Carmangay Cemetery, Carmangay, Alberta.
In lieu of flowers tributes in Cliff’s memory could be made to either the Canadian Diabetes Assoc. 210-d, 12th St. N. Lethbridge T1H 2J1 or the Lung Assoc. Box 4500 University Hospital Edmonton T6G 2B7.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Directors. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through website www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.