After a long and courageous battle with CBD, Dennis (Denny) Eric Frazer, 71, passed away early Sunday, January 22, 2012 at Sandringham Centre in Victoria, BC.
Dennis is predeceased by his father, Eric Frances Frazer, and leaves behind his mother, Phyllis Valda Frazer. He also leaves behind four children, Cindy (Peter) Whatmough, Scott (Letitia) Frazer, Bonnie (Gordon) O’Neill, and Heather Frazer; his brother Gordon (Jodie) Frazer; his sister Jane (Doug) Newman, as well as his nephews Kris (Katie) Newman and Eric Frazer, and nieces Megan (Chansa) Mbao and Claire (Jon) Helm, as well as many other extended family members and friends.
Dennis was born on August 15, 1940 in Edmonton, Alberta and lived there until school age at which time the family relocated to Peace River where Dennis spent a large portion of his early school years. He had great fondness for this period of his life. He later moved back to Edmonton where he attended McKearnen Junior High School, before moving onto Old Scona Composite High School, Westglen School, and finally graduating from Ross Sheppard High School as class president. Dennis also had many fond memories of summers spent with family and friends on Pigeon Lake in Alberta.
Dennis attended the University of Alberta, where he obtained a degree in Zoology. He also belonged to the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and sang in their choir. He then went on to study dentistry at the University of Alberta and the University of Manitoba. While in Dental School at U of A, Dennis participated in the University Naval Training Division (UNTD) Cornwallis and was awarded Best 1st Year Cadet.
Upon graduation from dental school, Dennis relocated to Victoria where he ran a successful dental practice from 1967 to 1970, before returning to university at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School to become an Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon. Dennis returned to Victoria upon graduation and practised from 1975 until 2005, when his illness forced him to retire early. Dennis loved his work and always said he would practice until “they carried him out”. Dennis held positions as Vice President of the BC Dental Association and President of the BC Society of Oral Surgeons.
Dennis married Denise Warholm in 1967. They were married for 18 years and shared 4 beautiful children.
Dennis was a frequent lecturer for Camosun College’s Dental Hygiene program, which he loved. Subsequently, when faced with early retirement, Dennis pursued a life long dream of teaching, and began teaching for the University of British Columbia School of Dentistry. He was only able to act in this capacity for a couple years, but thoroughly enjoyed the time he had in this role.
Dennis was an athlete that over the years excelled in a variety of sports including football, golf, and skiing. Right up until his illness struck, Dennis could be found rollerblading, biking and downhill skiing. He loved to be outdoors either in the mountains or on the water. Dennis also possessed a passion for travel and in the final chapter of his life managed to visit many countries on his “bucket list”. His only disappointments being that he did not make it to Russia and was never able to make the Trans-Canada train ride.
Dennis was a vital man that will be missed for his sense of humour and passion for life.
The family would like to thank Sandringham Care Centre for the incredible care and support they provided. They also wish to thank Dr. Arguash, Dr. Gheis, Dr. MacMillan and Dr. Biglow.
A Celebration of Life will be held at McCall Bros. Floral Chapel, Vancouver & Johnson Streets, on Sunday January 29, 2012 at 1:00 pm. A reception will follow in McCall’s Family Centre. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Brain Research Centre, 2211 Westbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, or at www.brain.ubc.ca. Condolences may be offered to the family below.

22 Responses
We were saddened at the news of Denny’s recent passing away. What a beautiful obituary in the Edmonton Journal. What a miserable disease that cortico-basal degeneration is! We hope Denny and his family did not suffer too much with this degenerative and debilitating condition. Denny was part of our Class of 1965 at the Faculty of Dentistry at the U. of A. I shall always remember Denny and his smile, his wit , good humor, and joie de vivre. We had some good times as dental students and especially at dental undergrad parties. We shall all miss him and fondly remember the nice memories and souvenirs. Sincere condolences to Denny’s family , his children, his mother, brother and sister. May all the good memories of his life sustain you in your upcoming many hours of loss and loneliness. God bless you all.In Love and In Sorrow.
John and Mena Ares.Class of ’65.
Cindy, Scott, Bonnie, Heather and extended family.
We are so very sorry for the loss of your Dad, Dennis. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
We pray for family friends to comfort you, faith to uphold you, and the loving memories of your dad to help you all smile again. Your dad’s big, beautiful smile lives on in all of you.
Lots of love and hugs to you all
Hartley, Alexandra and Cameron
Many condolences to you and your family Heather.
May you find peace in your happy memories and joy and comfort in each other.
Hugs from Kathryn
Dear Cindy and Jane,
Our sincere condolences. We can not imagine your pain at this time of loss but our thoughts are with you. We pray and hope that the loss of your Dad and brother will be softened by the happy memories of shared experiences.
With love
Kiran & Richard
So sorry. Thinking of you all.
I had the pleasure of meeting Dennis and his father during the renovation and development of 906 St. Charles Street in the early 80’s. Dennis and I spoke many times and I remember meeting his children on a couple of occasions. I kept in touch over the years and later on Dennis performed surgery on my mouth due to injuries suffered during my hockey goaltending days. We always shared the memories of our glory days and had a good laugh, always referring to the fact we were both ‘legends in our own minds’. Quick wit, great sense of humour, always outgoing, a good guy….that’s how I remember Dennis and I’ll miss him. I’m sorry for your loss and hope all the memories of his life with you bring smiles to your faces.
To Cindy, Scott, Bonnie and Heather,
thinking of you all and remembering
many happy times.
Marnee and family
Cindy, my thoughts are with you at this heartbreaking moment in your life. What a lovely tribute to your Dad – wonderful to learn more about him. Huge hugs from all the Mackin’s.
I am so sorry for your loss
My sincerest condolences at this difficult time. Praying for comfort and peace for your family. Bless you!