Obituary of Ralph Fraser

Gilbert “Ralph” Fraser

Corner Brook, NL

August 25, 1935 – February 19, 2021

It is with great sadness that the family of the late Gilbert “Ralph” Fraser announce his passing on Friday, February 19, 2021 at the Western Memorial Regional Hospital, Corner Brook in his 86th year. He leaves to mourn with fond and loving memories his wife of 64 years Ruby Fraser (nee Barter); daughters: Bernadine (Bill) Rideout and June Fraser; grandchildren Matthew, Adam, Scott, Eric, Krista and Neal; great-grandchildren: Sarah and Jacob; brothers: Robert (Shirley) Fraser and Carl (Mona) Fraser; sisters: Victoria Spencer and Germaine (Robert) Richards; sister-in-law Sue (Tom) Meers; as well as a large circle of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Carlton and Elsie Fraser, sister Eileen Strangemore. 

Ralph was a proud member of the Canadian National Railway he began work as a teenager. He started out as a brakeman and then became a conductor. He ended his career as a yard master in Corner Brook. Ralph considered his colleagues as his brothers. Talking and reading about the railway gave Ralph a lot of pleasure. He was so proud to share his knowledge of the trains and runs with anyone who would listen. Ralph was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time at his cabin in Crabbes River. When he was at home in the evenings he could be heard laughing at the antics on “Threes Company”. Ralph also delighted in music. He would always say, “Elvis is my number one!” He liked nothing more than to sit with his hot toddy with a drop of Lambs. This could be at any point in the day, he wasn’t particular about when! While Ralph was never part of a debate team he could be heard saying, “Is that right, now?” In the last few months of his life he was always asking “When is the Number One (train) coming?” Well it finally came to take him home.

A private family funeral service will take place at Fillatre’s Funeral Chapel, 4 St. Mark’s Avenue on Monday, February 22, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Tanya White officiating. Private family interment at Mount Patricia Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society. 

To register to watch the live streamed funeral service for Ralph, please click the link below or copy the link and paste into your web browse. 

https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=e512f911-f8f1-420a-bf54-2b7e15676e3d

“Train of Life”

At birth, we boarded the train and met our parents, and we believe they will always travel by our side. However, at some station our parents will step down from the train, leaving us on this journey alone. 

As time goes by, other people will board the train and they will be significant i.e. our siblings, friends, children, volunteers, and even the love of our life.

Many will step down and leave a permanent vacuum. Others will go so unnoticed that we don’t realize they vacated their seats. This train ride will be full of joy, sorrow, fantasy, expectations, hellos, good-byes, and farewells. Success consists of having a good relationship with all passengers requiring that we give the best of ourselves.

The mystery to everyone is, we do not know at which station we ourselves will step down. So, we must live in the best way, love, forgive, and offer the best of who we are.

It is important to do this because when the time comes for us to step down and leave our seat empty we should leave behind beautiful memories for those who will continue to travel on the train of life.

I wish you all a joyful journey on the train of life. Reap success and give lots of love. More importantly, thank God for the journey.