James Brian Fraser

He grew up in River Heights where he attended Kelvin High School and later enrolling in the University of Manitoba where he first studied Engineering but soon shifted his studies to Law. He was called to the Bar in 1967 and began his practice at Pitblado and Hoskin, becoming a partner in 1976. After 32 years in practice, he became the Deputy Registrar for the Province of Manitoba within the Land Titles Office.

Although Jim was a lawyer by profession, his passion lay within the trades. He was carpenter, plumber, and electrician in his soul. His love of building was put to use when he purchased land in Ontario, convinced his brother to do the same, and built his first cottage at Pistol Lake. After a forest fire in 1976, he put his engineering skills to use to design and build a new cottage at Hilly Lake. The project was a labour of love for Jim and Marjorie. In 2007, their adventure continued as they, along with their son David’s family, purchased a lot at Buffalo Point, a perfect retirement project and their ‘little piece of heaven’.

Jim and Marjorie married in 1971 after realizing that their love for one another extended well beyond friendship. The arrival of David Brian, in 1973, and James Edward, in 1975, allowed Jim to bring a whole new set of skills in his life. He was actively involved in the numerous activities that kept the boys busy. His new roles included chauffer, hockey team manager, Ski boat captain, President of the Fort Garry Lions football club, and learned the basic laws of rugby so he could better appreciate the game. He was a staple on the sidelines of all the boys sporting endeavours.

Later in life, the introduction of five grandchildren added a new element of joy. He loved attending all the grandkid’s activities, supporting once again from the sideline.

With confirmation and progression of Jim’s dementia in 2010, he and Marjorie took off to begin completing their bucket list, they embarked on many adventures. They took trips to the Okanagan, Sedona, Las Vegas, The Grand Canyon, multiple trips thru Banff and Jasper, The Maritimes, Mexico, and enjoyed cruises around Hawaii and Alaska. They travelled from coast to coast in Canada and the US until Jim entered full time care in 2015.

Jim passed away on November 17, 2019 with family by his side. He was predeceased by his wife Marjorie; his parents and parents-in-law, as well as a brother in infancy.

He is survived by his sons, David (Joanne), Jim (Darcie); and his five grandchildren, Jayden, Keelan, Tylie, Kaylee and Tavis. He is also survived by his brother Bill (Shirley); his cousin Donald; brothers-in-law, Bob (Aurea), Allan (Lynn), Leonard (Elfrieda), Doug (Joanne Fidler) and Jim Kieper; his sisters-in-law, Rose Kieper, Janice (Jack) and Roxy (Mark). He has many nieces and nephews to mourn his passing, as well as great-nieces and great-nephews.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, November 22, 2019 at 2:00 pm at Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba.