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
I am sorry I could not make it to Fraser’s celebration of life. Mr. McColl was a very class act who always found the time to seek out his former players when he had the chance to see how we were doing. A very nice man that will be missed. My sincere condolences to the McColl family.
Sincerely Kent Lewis
On behalf of both the Long and Zabel families we would like to express our condolences upon Fraser’s passing. I know my father-in-law Jack Zabel spent many good times playing cards with him at the golf club. Whenever any of my family came into contact with Fraser he was always genuinely interested in what we were all doing and we appreciated that. He was a very fine man and will be missed.
Charles and Linda Long
Dear Denise, Debbie and Marke,
We were sorry to hear of Fraser’s passing last week and will always remember the day when Fraser cheerfully mentored us to try out a new form of real estate development – then helped us structure successful results for all of us.
Sincere condolences to you and your extended family.
Stew Vinnels
Dear Deb,Marke and family,
Our thoughts are with you and this time of sadness. Your Dad lived an incredible life. We look forward to seeing you all very soon.
Love the Hefs XO
Our deepest condolences to the McColl family. British Columbia
has lost a wonderful supporter of sports. Hockey, Horse Racing, Soccer..even Bridge.
So many young athletes were positively influenced by his committment to Junior hockey as owner of the Victoria Cougars.
He was a friendly, interesting, full of life individual and will be missed.
To Denise and family. We send our sincerist condolances. Glen Thornborough and Karen Turner.
Dear Fraser, Tracy, Logan, Lexi and Matty
Although we did not know Fraser Sr. personally, his reputation as a good and decent man was widely acknowledged. We write in friendship today to offer our support and respect for the loss of your father .. friend …grandfather.
It is difficult to find the words that will honour the magnitude of your loss or the depth of your grief. Instead, we share a hope that you will embrace this time with your family and friends, and find peace and pride in the knowledge that your lives’ journey included the leadership, thoughtful influence and generosity of a great man. Losing someone whose life has shaped and defined your own life for so long is very personal – there are no words. Surrender to the past holding on tight to the good, and with pride, breathe in the legacies of wisdom and grace that are now yours to carry forward.
Please know that our family is grateful for the friendship that our sons share. We consider Logan to be an exceptionally fine young man with abundant talent and a heart that is kind, playful and true. There is no greater legacy for Fraser Senior than to know that he was loved – and to see signs of the best of himself within each of his children and grandchildren. The torch has been passed and the legacies of a great man will continue as the next generation leaves its mark of responsibility and kindness on the world.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Much love to you all,
Kathi and Connor
I was so sorry to hear of Mr. McColl’s recent passing. It was my honour to have met and worked with him. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend the service tomorrow as I am once again on the east coast. I will be there in spirit and remembering in a special way.
TO THE ENTIRE FAMILY:
You are all in our thoughts and prayers as you continue on with
this great loss. We sympathize with each and everyone of you,
as each loved him in their own way, and I am sure you will
honor him in death as you did in life. He has left a great legacy and a wonderful family who loved him.
With regards and sympathy to one and all,
Charles & Alice Cox
Denise and Family,
Our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
For many years, I knew Fraser as my cousin Vern’s (aka. Red) good friend. In recent years, I had the privilege of spending time with him while we were both at Shawnigan Lake.
Fraser did so many wonderful things for the community and he will forever be remembered as a truly remarkable man.
Doug and Joan