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COMMENT(S): Robert Fraser, 1922-2012
Published: March 18, 2012
Author: dw | (report inappropriate content) |
| Walk proudly now through the heather and the bracken Mr. Fraser, and play your pipes. . . a life so well lived, by a man so well loved.
The Laird's |
Published: March 14, 2012
Author: TheCaptain | (report inappropriate content) |
| I send my condolences to the Fraser Clan and the legions of those in his extended family... many of us consider it a privilege to be counted in that number. His constant guidance of the youth in the Winnipeg area - his unwavering loyalty to a program he started so many years ago - his gentle and unassuming ways - he will remain in the hearts of all us for ever. RIP, Mr. Fraser ... you were an inspiration to countless pipers and their families... truly one of a kind...
Ken Eller |
Published: March 14, 2012
Author: DavidBowman | (report inappropriate content) |
| Mr. Fraser emphasized camaraderie, selflessness, duty and citizenship. One look no further than a regular Saturday morning band practice to see these values alive and well: a volunteer staff of instructors comprised entirely of band alumni, some who have been involved with the band since its inception in 1957. His unwavering positive approach to life was infectious, even in his final days. His contributions to piping and drumming in Manitoba are truly immeasurable, with hundreds (if not thousands) of young men and their families benefiting from his decades of service to our community. Thank you, Mr. Fraser, from the bottom of so many of our hearts - we are all better for having been a part of your life. David Bowman. |
Published: March 14, 2012
Author: ColinMacLellan | (report inappropriate content) |
| I met Bob Fraser forst when I started going out to the summer school run by P/M Willie MacLeod at Fort Qu'appelle, Saskatchewan in conjunction with the Saskatchewan Arts Board. I saw him every year, either at the school through his pupils, or at different competitions on the Prairies. There's not a lot to add to what others have said here, save to say, that without the great men like Bob Fraser, who teach diligently and prodigiously, with no reward bar the satisfaction of setting young people on their way in the piping and drumming world, there would, quite simply, ber no piping, drumming or pipe bands. We all salute Bob Fraser and his like. We will remember him fondly. |
Published: March 13, 2012
Author: dn773670 | (report inappropriate content) |
| In his book Pipers: a Guide to the Players and Music of the Highland Bagpipe, Dr. William Donaldson describes three archetypal teachers: the ferocious, the coolly clinical, and the kindly and gentle. Anyone who had the good fortune to meet Pipe Major Fraser would recognize him instantly as a man who fit perfectly within the author’s final category. Donaldson writes “The playing and teaching were mingled with hours of talk, and it became clear that there was more to piping than just music. It was a kind of initiation, an admission to membership- however junior- of an elite and fascinating company. Most obvious of all was his own utter commitment to and inexhaustible fascination with the art. He didn’t teach piping, he was piping. He was gentleness itself. He smiled frequently and praised much, and he refused to charge for instruction.” Having had the privilege of receiving my own initial tutelage from Pipe Major Fraser and of enjoying his mentorship throughout my youth, I can think of no better description for a man who dedicated his life to passing on a gift that would last his students a lifetime. May he rest in peace. -Dan Locke |
Published: March 13, 2012
Author: Bob2 | (report inappropriate content) |
| Bob Fraser was truly one in a million. He gave his life to teaching young people. He not only taught them to be good pipers but, more importantly, he taught them the meaning of good citizenship.
Bob Fraser always did what he did with a quiet, unassuming dignity, letting his students and his band celebrate their successes while he stayed quietly and proudly in the wings.
While many of his players graduated on to other bands, many came back to help in the teaching of new members. Such was the love and respect that the Lord Selkirk family had for Mr. Fraser. Several generations later, the foundation that Bob laid lives on in celebration of this outstanding man.
Deepest sympathy to Bob's family and to his extended Lord Selkirk family. Rest in peace, dear friend. Bob Worrall |
Published: March 13, 2012
Author: iainmacdonald | (report inappropriate content) |
| Bob Fraser was an exceptional person, and he gave so much to piping in this region. His presence will certainly be missed, and his life-long enthusiasm for teaching and learning is an immense legacy to us all. On behalf of the City of Regina and Conservatory of Performing Arts pipe bands, our sincere and deepest sympathies to Mr. Fraser's immediate family and friends, and to his wider family of friends and admirers in Winnipeg.
Iain MacDonald | |
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