Ronald (Ron) Fraser

Obituary of Ronald (Ron) Fraser

October 9, 1931 – Knockando, Scotland
February 12, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

Then let us pray that come it may,
As come it will for a’ that….

Ronald McWilliam Fraser died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, February 12, 2022, in Calgary, AB at the age of 90.

Ron was born on October 9, 1931, in Knockando, Scotland, to William and Margaret (nee McWilliam). He grew up in Dufftown, where, along with his three sisters (Helen, Margaret and Sheila), he developed a love for sport and for the outdoors. Ron graduated from the University of Aberdeen in 1954 with a degree in medicine. He played both squash and tennis at university, and along with golf, racquet sports remained among his lifetime passions. Ron married Doreen Grant Robertson in 1955. With their young family, they emigrated to Canada in 1966, settling in Hinton, AB, where he was one of five Scottish doctors. Ron loved rural medicine and the time he spent in Hinton, where he made many life-long friends. 

That Sense and Worth, o’er a’ the earth
Shall bear the gree an’ a’ that.

In 1978, Ron and Doreen moved to Calgary, where they quickly developed new friendships with other members of the Scottish diaspora. Adapting to urban life, Ron assisted at the Grace Hospital and had duties at the Foothills and Colonel Belcher hospitals while running his family practice in NW Calgary. For many years he was in the first group on the course every Saturday and Sunday morning at the Silver Springs Golf Club. Ron delighted in winning a dollar or two from his golfing buddies, and on the rare occasion when he won the long-drive competition, he would bask in glory for the rest of the week. Among Ron’s most cherished times were the adventures he shared with his family. Whether he was hiking, skiing, paddling, traveling or watching rugby sevens and basketball, he was happiest making new memories.  Ron was tremendously proud to be a ‘Granda’, and prouder still of his grandchildren and their accomplishments. 

For a’ that, an’ a’ that,
It’s comin yet for a’ that,

Ron was a kind and generous friend and father, with an innate ability to quickly see people for who they really are. He had limited patience for those with a tendency to stretch the truth but was quick to forgive. He effortlessly led by example, and those who knew him understand that the Robert Burns poem quoted here perfectly summarizes Ron’s approach to life. 

Ron is survived by his three children Anne Rodger (Rod), of Calgary; Jill Yang (Qiang) of Calgary; and Murray Fraser (Barbara) of Calgary. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Sheila Rodger (Ali), Ian Rodger, Keith Rodger, Andrew Yang, Glen Yang, Madeline Fraser, William Fraser and Heather Fraser; and by his sisters Sheila Hendry and Margaret Ramsay of Scotland.   He is predeceased by Doreen, his wife of 62 years, in 2017, and by his sister Helen Bennett. 

That Man to Man the warld o’er
Shall brithers be for a’ that

Following Ron’s wishes, there will be no funeral. In lieu of sending flowers, take a walk in the hills, or if you’re so moved, consider making a small donation to the Canadian Alzheimer’s Society https://alzheimer.ca/en,  or the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Ronald Fraser, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area.
 



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