It is with sadness we announce that John Fraser McColl, born in Perth, Scotland on June 12, 1925 has died peacefully surrounded by family on October 10, 2009 in Victoria, British Columbia. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten by his loving wife of 58 years, Denise and his children, Fraser (Tracy), Yvonne (Lou) and Debbie (Marke), as well as grandchildren, Alistair, Cameron, Kathleen, Fraser, Lexi, Katie, Logan, Lochlan and Matty. Survived by his sister, Winnie and numerous nieces and nephews. Fraser joined the Royal Navy Submarine Corp during the Second World War. He later moved to Venezuela, working for Price Waterhouse and Royal Dutch Shell. He travelled extensively around the world especially in the Middle East searching for new oil fields. Fraser came to Canada in the 1960’s where he was involved in many businesses including Hylog Oil Equipment in Edmonton. He became an active developer in Victoria and in partnership with others created such projects as Broadmead and Wedgewood. He later went on to develop projects throughout B.C., Florida and Colorado. Fraser was also one of the founding Partners of Stagecoach Buses UK. Fraser spent many happy years as owner of the WHL Victoria Cougars and as a race horse breeder and owner. Fraser was also an avid duplicate bridge player and had many wonderful times at the Uplands Golf Course. Fraser spent countless hours on numerous campaigns for the Conservative Party of B.C. He had a full life with many friends and colleagues, always looking for new challenges and living life to the fullest. Fraser’s stories and adventures will be retold for many years to come by his numerous family and friends. Special thanks to his caregivers, especially, Amy Noolan, Guido Daza Harrera, Dr. Chris Morgan, Dr. Jason Gray and Marke Noble.
Please join us in remembering this special man at a Celebration of Life to be held at MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson & Vancouver Streets, on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. with reception to follow at the Uplands Golf Course. Donations in Fraser’s memory can be made to Mercy Ships Canada, #5 – 3318 Oak Street, Victoria, BC V8X 1R1.
22 Responses
Denise, Deb,Mark & family. Our thoughts and prayers are sent your way in sympathy for a very kind and caring person – Fraser. He ways had time to say a fews words especially for such a busy person. He will be very much missed. Many hearts are hoping you’ll find strength and confort in knowing others share the loss of the one so dear to you.
I am sorry that I am not available to visit with you in person on Saturday due to previous commitment.
Dear Mrs. McColl,
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. McColl this past weekend. Although, I only met him a few times, he was always a welcoming, gracious and inspiring man. Yvonne always spoke so lovingly and enthusiastically about her father. I can see where she gets her drive, determination and compassion.
Mr. McColl was also a very fortunate man to have the neverending and undying love, care and support of his family. He must have been so proud of his life, his achievements, his adventures and, most importantly, his family.
I am so very sorry to be unable to attend the memorial this weekend. Please accept my condolences.
Dear McColl Family,
We are sorry to hear about Fraser’s passing and send our condolences to you all. Fraser was great friend and horse racing partner to our father, Henry as well as a sincere, caring friend to us all. We will miss him dearly.
Ruby, Richard, Rod, Helen and Ryan Lee
Sorry thet Leslie and I can’t be there with you Saturday but we were previously committed to being out of town. All my regards and sympathies to the family.
Jim and Leslie
Dear Denise and Family
We were all deeply saddened to hear of Fraser’s passing away last weekend. Our thoughts are very much with you at this difficult time.
From Lorna Stewart and all the rest of the Stewart Family in Perth and London
Denise and family What a sad day but I will remember all the fun times we had with our years of lambsie and all those great burgers we had and of course Fraser was the one who taught me to always have HP with my food…Denise my thoughts are with you and your family….He will be missed
Fraser was a true friend, a man of integrity, very open and caring. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Fraser left his mark on Victoria and Victoria is a much better place because of it.
My sincerest and deepest condolences to Denise, A. Fraser and family……..
Jim & Marlene Quaife
Fraser your were a great friend kind man I’ll never forget you and Jim carrying me in my wheelchair at a cougars training camp at Juan De Fuca when I was 13 to get a better view. Or the times you took the time to talk to me when I came into or called the office. You called me your “favorite fan” and your boy” and allowing me to drop the puck on Dec.10,1985 Kinsmen Night the cougars roared back to beat Medicine Hat 6-5 in O.T. The next season you gave me the honour of dropping the puck for the home opener on Sept.30,1986 vs The Seattle Thunderbirds where the cougars opened with a 4-2 Win. In Sept. 2002 you and I were at the cougars reunion before Memorial closed and you were in the bar talking with the players but as soon as someone told you I was there in spite of the fact you just suffered a stroke you insisted that you son help you out to the lobby to talk to me cause the bar was too crowded for me to get in. The last time we saw each other was 4 years ago at a salmon kings game you were in good shape walking on your own with the aid of a walker and you said “Jody my boy how are you?” I was wearing my Barry Pederson Jersey the Captain of your championship team You said “Jody your still wearing my favorite sweater good boy” And I said thanks Fraser I’ll always wear this sweater and be a cougars fan forever! Thank you my friend for being a great friend of mine making me feel important and last but not least for keeping and saving junior hockey in Victoria. So long my friend your were a great friend a great man who will never be forgotten!
In 78, the soccer world cup was on the big screen at Memorial Arena and I remember Fraser McColl slapping my back hard when Scotland scored a goal. In many ways Fraser kept the flame of high level hockey alive and paved the way that has led Victoria to now have a professional team.
A straight shooter, a kind man with a sharp sense of humour … the mold has been broken with Fraser’s passing. Victoria will miss Mr. McColl, and few will ever forget his contributions to our city. My deep condolences to Denise and family.
Darron Kloster
Victoria Times Colonist business editor