Thomas FRASER

I was born, raised, and schooled in Winnipeg along with my older brother John. My parents, Ian and Betty Fraser (House) were loving and supportive. My formal education concluded with graduation from the University of Manitoba in Dentistry whereupon I was admitted to the Honorary Omicron Kappa Upsilon Fraternity. I embarked on a Dental career focused on providing care to underserved and disadvantaged communities in a variety of settings. Always advocating for the underdog. In Manitoba I worked for Medical Services providing dental care in remote Northern Aboriginal communities. Usually arriving by floatplane on pristine Canadian Shield lakes. The needs were great due to the adoption of western diets high in refined sugar, but the patients were kind and stoic. I relocated to Calgary, Alberta in 1988 just in time to experience the Winter Olympics, and worked for Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) at the Colonel Belcher Hospital Dental Clinic providing care to mostly senior World War 2 and Korean War veterans. I made many close friends, and learned immensely from these patients' generosity, humour, resiliency, and wealth of lived experiences. After VAC decided to cease Dental Clinic operations I was able to negotiate a lease of space at the Hospital becoming the first private practice in Alberta to do so. As well as veterans, I expanded care to seniors, and refugees from the war torn former Yugoslavia who had trouble accessing treatments at other clinics. The space I leased included a Dental Laboratory which I subleased to Ping Lo. A great working relationship and close friendship ensued. I have particularly fond memories of playing ball hockey in the Clinic hallway with Ping's youngest son Ryan, and best of all in Calgary I met my wife Samira (Hodzic), a Bosnian war refugee with an effervescent demeanor who won my heart. Samira and I relocated to Vancouver Island in 2002 where I commenced work at the Cool Aid Dental Clinic providing care to low income groups, the homeless, and those with mental health or addiction issues. Conditions were challenging yet rewarding as the patients were extremely grateful for the treatment provided. I enjoyed close working relationships and friendships with Dr. Kent Leacock, Dr. Randy Law from my class of '78, and Randy's spouse Dr. Gisele Bourgeois-Law. In 2008 my son and greatest pride Aidin was born, and continues to amaze me with his generosity, creativity, wit, and kindness. In Victoria I became reacquainted with Tom and Linda Westra, an old friend from High School in Winnipeg, who included me in regular doubles tennis games for many years along with Eric, Hans, Nick, and Scott, a very humorous and congenial group. Other retirement pursuits included biking, gardening, reading the newspaper cover to cover, and following the stock markets. I always gravitated to living in the inner city within commuting distance of work and amenities by bike or on foot, and Aidin continues the tradition. Having become allergic to frigid winters as a boy, our family enjoyed many winter visits to our second home in Puerto Vallarta. We became close friends with Leslie, Don, and their son Greyson Ross, with whom we shared a love of Mexican cuisine and culture. Times spent with cousins Trish House, David House, John House, George House, and Robert Fraser were much treasured. My sister-in-law Fahrija Hodzic was of great help in caring for Aidin while living in our home, and is now part of the family. The last few years I have been living with cancer. I pursued all relevant treatment options, always following the science. I am thankful for the dedicated and loving support of Samira and Aidin, along with the kind care of the BC Cancer agency staff.