Felix BLANCHE-FRASER

Dr. Felix Blache-Fraser 'Fil'
Fil passed away peacefully on December 3, 2017, with his wife, Gladys at his bedside. He was 85. News of his death sparked memories from old friends and colleagues, together with many others who recalled a man whose warm, encouraging and tireless persona had inspired Canadians to embrace the arts, culture and social justice.
In life, Fil was a pioneering broadcaster, film and television producer, writer, educator and human rights advocate who contributed immeasurably to Canadian society. Fil was born in Montreal on August 19, 1932 to Trinidad-born Felix Blache-Fraser and Marguerite Wiles. Theirs was the only black family in east Montreal, and Fil and his four younger brothers managed to excel at school despite bullying and discrimination.
Fil was in fact Canada's first black broadcaster. By age 19, he'd set off on a broadcasting career that spanned five decades. His first job was with legendary hockey announcer Foster Hewitt at CKFH in Toronto. In 1958, Fil moved to Regina. There he founded a newspaper, the Regina Weekly Mirror, while also working as an educator on drugs and alcohol.
In 1965 Fil moved to Edmonton - a city he loved and adopted as his hometown. He helped to shape radio and television in the city - as a producer of Canada's precursor to ACCESS television; a co-host on the CBC supper hour news and as host of Talk Back on CJCA, the city's highest-rated talk show in the late 1970s. Fil followed with programs on Edmonton's ITV, including The Fil Fraser Show, and later, Newsmakers. Fil was known for putting people at ease even while asking tough questions.
Fil was a consummate booster of Alberta's arts and a pioneer in Canadian cinema. He founded what became the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA); Alberta's first film festival; and the Banff International Television Festival in 1979. Fil continued to promote arts in Canada and Alberta throughout his life, and worked in a team to raise several million dollars for the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Award Foundation. In 2015, he was thrilled to receive the Alberta Order of Excellence for his contributions. 'No art, no life,' Fil told award organizers. 'Art decorates our lives. Art makes our lives meaningful. Without the arts, life would be plain and uninspiring and unforgiving.'
Almost never at rest, Fil produced several movies in the late 1970s. His films focussed on tough prairie realities. They included Alberta's first feature film, the award-winning Why Shoot the Teacher, Marie-Anne, The Hounds of Notre Dame and Latitude 55. He would go on to teach film, including at Athabasca University, where he established a Master's course in Canadian film.
If Fil witnessed an injustice, he didn't let it stand. From 1989 to 1992 he led the Alberta Human Rights Commission as Chief Commissioner, at a time when human rights legislation was narrowly defined. He fought hard to change the status quo, including a forceful campaign against an Aryan nations group; and for the rights of Delwin Vriend, who had lost his job due to his sexual orientation.
From 1995 to 2000, Fil and Gladys lived in Toronto where Fil led Vision TV as CEO. This was another way for him to promote Canadian multiculturalism - one of his most profoundly held values.
Fil also shaped public policy through his service on many public boards and commissions, including what became known as the Spicer Commission in 1990.
He was honoured often for his service. In 1991 he became a member of the Order of Canada. He wore the elegant insignia on his lapel during every public outing.
Fil was always busy in his office writing something - whether a class curriculum, a magazine column, a proposal or a book. Towards the latter years of his career, he wrote three books: Alberta's Camelot: Culture and the Arts in the Lougheed Years; How the Blacks Created Canada; and Running Uphill: The Fast, Short Life of Canadian Champion Harry Jerome.
Fil prized time with his wife of 35 years, Gladys Odegard. She supported his every endeavour to contribute to Canadian life. He supported her work to bring the gift of music to countless students. It was a romance that began at a play in 1981, and never ended. They were married on November 5, 1983 in Edmonton.
Fil also deeply cherished his children: Randall, Tanice, Kathryn and David. He offered counsel and love, and spent time with them doing the things they liked best, whether quiet lunches, family dinners, or science fiction movies. His love and inspiration extended wholeheartedly to his grandchildren, Alex, Julien and Tané; and to his step-grandchildren Emma and Dylan.
If Fil could give a parting thought, it might be 'go easy'. It was the way he signed every letter and email, reflecting a cool, determined, and generous way of being in the world.
Fil Fraser is survived by his wife, Gladys Odegard; his children and their families, Randall (wife Margaret Field), Tanice and her children, Alex and Julien, Kathryn (companion Anthony Pavlic), and her son, Tané; and his son, David Dutton-Fraser; his brothers, Stan (wife Louise), Ron (husband Nairton Falçao); sister, Shirleen; his brothers' children and grandchildren; his stepchildren and their partners, Leah Jarvis (husband Jon) and their children, Emma and Dylan and Christine McNab (partner Julia Cabassi). Fil was predeceased by his parents, Felix and Marguerite Blache-Fraser; his sister, Roslynn; his brother, Frank (wife Donna); and his brother, Russell (wife Susan). The family would also like to acknowledge and send love to Randall's sisters, Kim Howell-Costion, Bonnie Sorenson and Judy Sorenson.
With his genuine interest and appreciation for others, Fil was profoundly connected to many friends and colleagues, each person a unique light in his life.
The family are grateful for the messages of condolence and memories shared. The family are also thankful for the care Fil received from Anita D'Mello and staff at the Devonshire Care Centre and to Merlyn Agpoon, a longstanding caregiver for Fil at his home.
Fil's life will be celebrated with a public memorial in Edmonton in the Spring of 2018.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice.