Samuel "Fraser" Hale, loving husband, father and grandfather, died suddenly at The Moncton Hospital on Nov. 19, 2018 at the age of 84. Fraser was the son of the late Samuel & Margaret (Muir) Hale.
Fraser was raised in Westville, N.S. After attending business school in Halifax, N.S., he moved to Moncton and began a 36-year career at CNR. He met Lois, the love of his life, and they shared 61 years of marriage. Fraser resided with Lois (Wallace) Hale at Lakeview Manor Salvation Army Nursing Home in Riverview since Dec. 2016.
Fraser enjoyed many hobbies. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, hiking and camping. As a licensed guide in N.B. and N.S., he was able to take his children and later grandchildren on outdoor educational pursuits. He was a good swimmer and used to walk or bike to work to keep in shape. In the winter he liked to cross country ski and snowshoe. Another outdoor activity he enjoyed was gardening. He was a member of the Westmorland Horticultural Society for many decades and had fantastic gardens, both vegetable and flower.
A man of many talents, Fraser was a great musician and composer. He entertained in many venues and was a popular man at a party. He played piano, accordion, harmonica and later in life he took up the fiddle. He was a long-time member of the Sussex Avenue Fiddlers as well as several other groups. Fraser encouraged many young people to play music and often provided accompaniment. He also played at nursing homes and told stories and jokes to entertain the residents. He provided music at lodge events and Christmas parties too! Fraser also sang in church choirs and played the ukulele in a music group at St. Paul’s Church.
Fraser was kind to animals and he loved his pets, especially his cats, Blacky and Puffy, which he spoiled royally. Another true companion was Chica, the dog, who was a faithful friend and always up for an adventure.
In 2011, Fraser received a N.B. Community Service Volunteer Award for his 50+ years of volunteerism as he helped in many local causes. He volunteered for over 20 years establishing and maintaining The Dobson Hiking Trails as this was one of his passions. He also donated blood for over 50 years saving many lives and was home and school president at Birchmount School in the late 60’s, to name a few.
Besides his wife Lois, Fraser will be dearly missed by his three daughters, Susan (Raymond) Arsenault, Barbara (Ian) Frensch, Brenda (Dana) Richard as well as seven grandchildren; Daniel (Insung), Samuel and Margaret (Chris) Arsenault, Andrew (Jordan) and Luke Richard, Peter and Matthew Frensch.
Fraser was predeceased by his sister Edith (MacKay) Munro of Westville, N.S. and his brother Ralph Hale from New Glasgow, N.S.
Visitation will be held at Cobb’s Funeral Home 330 Whitepine Rd., Riverview, N.B., (506-869-2007) from 6-8 pm on Thursday, November 22 with a Memorial Service by Coverdale Masonic Lodge #52 F&AM taking place at 5:45 pm. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Cobb's Funeral Home on Friday November 23 at 1:30 pm with Rev. Steve Berube officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Lakeview Manor Salvation Army Home or the S.P.C.A. would be greatly appreciated by the family.