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BORN
1937
DIED
2024
Derek Fraser Obituary
He is deeply mourned also by his brother Alistair, son-in-law Vikas Chaubey, grandchildren Arya and Jayan, and entire large family in Canada and abroad.
Derek Fraser was born on March 6, 1937, in Trail, BC, and spent his early years in nearby Rossland. A graduate of the University of British Columbia (B.A., 1958; LL.B, 1963), he became fluent in French following a year of studies (1958-59) in Montpellier, France (Certificat d'études françaises).
In 1963, he joined the Canadian foreign service. For his first overseas posting, he served on the Canadian delegation to the UN's International Control Commission in Saigon, Vietnam, from 1964 to 1965. From 1966 to 1970, he was posted to the Canadian Embassy in Bonn, West Germany. There he met Christina Hantel, a German doctoral student who intended to join the German diplomatic service. They married in 1968.
Following postings to Moscow (1973-75) and Brussels (1980-84), Derek served as Ambassador to Hungary from 1988 to 1993, as that country transitioned from single-party Communist rule to multi-party democracy; Ambassador to Greece from 1995 to 1998; and Ambassador to Ukraine from 1998 to 2021. Over the course of his diplomatic career, he gained a reputation as a linguist, mastering German, Russian, Greek, and Ukrainian.
After retiring from Canada's foreign service in 2001, Derek remained active in international relations, participating in an election observation mission to Ukraine and in a special assignment to Kandahar, Afghanistan. As an Associate Fellow with the Centre for Global Studies at the University of Victoria and an Adjunct Professor at the Department of Political Science, he supported democratization in Ukraine and organized conferences on failed states and Eastern Europe. He served on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Institute of International Affairs (now Canadian International Council) and as President of the Victoria branch, and on the Board of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation. He taught, researched, and wrote on topics in international affairs and Canadian foreign policy, and granted radio and television interviews.
A cultural anthropologist and linguist at heart with a passion for international relations, Derek found Canada's diplomatic service to be the ideal vocation. He navigated the challenging and dramatic political landscapes of his postings while maintaining whole-hearted dedication to his family. Above all, he was a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, and patriarch to the entire clan, as well as a kind and highly respected friend to a large circle of colleagues around the world.
The family is deeply grateful to the management and staff at Sidney All Care Residence for their compassionate and professional attention to his needs. Special thanks also to the staff at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital.
A celebration of Derek's life will be held at Christ Church Cathedral in Victoria, BC, on Thursday, November 7, at 2 pm (PST).
Memories and Condolences
for Derek Fraser
Sponsored by the Victoria Times Colonist.
21 Entries
Sharon Landry
March 9, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed working with Derek during our time together in Ukraine. I have very fond memories of long conversations with him and thoroughly appreciate the advice. He gave me when I adopted my son Alexander. I have wonderful photos of Derek tossing Alex up into the air when he was an infant I just thinking of that put a big smile on my face. my deepest conductances to you, Christina and your family.
Alan Bowker
November 9, 2024
I am very sorry to lean of Derek´s passing. We worked together (actually he was my boss) for a few years in the late 1980s when I was CSCE Coordinator in the last decade of the Cold War. He was a man of formidable intelligence, wide knowledge, and sound judgment, who demanded the most from himself and from others. He challenged those around him to meet his high standards and be better as a result. I will always remember his kindness and support on many occasions and once or twice his tolerance of a bumptious colleague. He was of a generation of foreign service offices whose like we may not see again, but more than that he was a man of rare accomplishment and dedication to his country, his duty, and his calling. It was a privilege to know him and call him a friend.
Gilles Poirier
November 9, 2024
Derek a vecu une vie bien remplie. Ayant brievement travaillé avec lui dans l antique Langevin Bloc en 1972, je me souviens de son dynamisme et de son devouement. Je ne trouve pas de meilleurs mots que ceux de Jean-Yves Dionne et de Robert Peck pour decrire ce diplomate de l age d or de la diplomatie canadienne. Sincere condolences to his family.
Amy Verdun
November 7, 2024
Derek was a generous man, who had a love of politics and public service. I was always amazed at his ability to learn languages, his love of cultures, and his commitment to democracy. He will be sorely missed.
Ulrike Hantel
November 7, 2024
Liebe Christine, liebe Fraser-Geschwister,
heute bin ich in Gedanken fest bei Euch und sage dem vielgeliebten Derek `Adieu`.
Herzliche Umarmung aus der Ferne,
Ulrike Hantel und Familie
Emmanuel Brunet-Jailly
November 6, 2024
Please accept my most sincere condolences: Ambassador Fraser will remain in my thoughts for a very long time as someone, whom at the UVic Center For Global Studies, was interested and kind to young scholars. On very many occasions he was there helping debate issues. For instance, in 2015 as I had been ask to go to the University of Alberta' Center on Ukraine and had discussed my talk with him. His knowledge of the region was exceptional and discussing issues felt like conducting and interviewing an insider. An insider who had the time to very gently distil wisdom, and help with rethinking points of view. I am very sorry for your loss. Emmanuel.
ANNA BIOLIK
November 6, 2024
I am deeply saddened and grieved over the recent death of Derek Fraser, a distinguished Canadian diplomat. His quiet diplomacy and dignifying demeanor have made him an inspiring role model. He will always be held in high esteem not only as an outstanding professional who effectively projected Canada´s interests, but also as a passionate individual who invested deeply in the well-being around him, and the betterment of the country he represented. Deepest condolences to the entire Fraser family.
Yogendra Chaubey
November 6, 2024
Our deepest condolences to the whole family and friends. Derek had so much respect for other cultures and language and as a result got all love and respect in return. We feel fortunate to have your company in Victoria this past summer, thanks to our daughter-in-law Julia. We pray to God to give you place in His heavenly abode and rest in peace. With love and sympathy to the family.
Yogen and Prabha
Bob Publicover
November 5, 2024
Dear Robin, I am saddened to read that your father has passed away. Please accept my sympathies.
jean-yves dionne
November 5, 2024
Aurevoir cher Derek / viszlát kedves derek magyarul
Derek a été mon ambassadeur en Hongrie sur une période de deux ans et demi (1989-1992). Ce fut une période fascinante dans laquelle, ce pays avait choisi de devenir une démocratie libérale après un long épisode de laboratoire communiste (goulash Economy).
He was a character in a novel. A tall man, a man bursting with keen intelligence and erudition, an outstanding political analyst and a relentless linguist who could study a new language of the country until the last day of his presence in his embassy.
His personality was marked by overflowing, communicative enthusiasm and natural shyness which sometimes made him a bit goofy in society. This made Derek a bit of an unusual character.
L´homme se démarquait par sa bonté et son sens de la justice. Il avait le respect de ses collaborateurs. Il savait rassembler une équipe et lui insuffler de grands objectifs. Nous avons accompli ensemble et en peu de temps de grandes réalisations.
Derek a fait partie de ce groupe de hauts fonctionnaires fédéraux, multilingues et cosmopolites qui ont marqué l´âge d´or de la diplomatie du Canada. Derek était un patriote, un grand promoteur de l´unité canadienne et un ami sincère.
Jean-Yves Dionne, Lucie Tremblay et famille
Saint-Sauveur, Québec
Bryan Melnyk
November 4, 2024
I send my deepest and sincere condolences to the entire Fraser family. Together with his wonderful wife Christina, Derek's service to Canada, and in particular to Ukraine as it rose as a democracy, was truly remarkable. With his sharp mind and vast diplomatic experience he helped to encourage and strengthen the Ukrainian-Canadian community in Victoria.Through his talks and generous participation in academic panels he wisely interpreted ongoing developments in Ukraine for us in such a friendly manner. We were so fortunate to have him in Victoria! May his memory be eternal and his family be comforted with divine peace.
Niky Papachristidis
November 4, 2024
Derek Frazer was such an inspiration at the time of “Thessaloniki, Cultural Capital of Europe” in 1997, as Canadian Ambassador to Greece, giving a chance to canadian talents for exposure in Europe and the rest of the world. It was an honor for me to work with him on this project. I will remember him with fondness and respect. My heartfelt sympathy to Christina and all his family. Niky Papachristidis
Robert Peck
November 4, 2024
Maria and I learned today of the passing of Derek R.T Frazer, Ambassador to Greece during our first posting to Athens from 1995-1998.
Almost 15 years later I was named Canada's Ambassador to Greece. I often recalled our time together and was inspired by his tenure.
Derek was a remarkable linguist (he is still remembered for his proficiency in Greek), analyst and keen observer of international affairs. I recall well his skill in drafting reports to Ottawa and tweaking the summary paragraph for a telegram to get it just right, edited with his favorite fountain pen.
Determined, passionate and often relentless in advancing Canadian interests, Derek had boundless energy and enthusiasm. He had a particular talent as a networker and using the Official Residence in Athens to full advantage. Quite a presence given his tall, lanky physique, I can still see him working the room at a national day reception or Embassy event covering all the bases.
I will remember him most, however, for his enthusiastic commitment to cultural diplomacy and mobilizing the private sector to support Embassy- driven initiatives and his strong belief in promoting the education sector.
At a time when the Canadian (Archaeological) Institute in Greece was on the verge of closure, Derek was an active champion and supported fundraising efforts
He leaves an impressive legacy in Canada's Foreign Service and served his country with great dignity, intelligence and commitment.
Nick Etheridge
November 3, 2024
Derek was always a straightforward, wonderful and wise colleague. He will be missed
Alicia Carruthers
November 3, 2024
Sincerest condolences to the Fraser family - Derek was the Director in a fellow RBD bureau division during turbulent times with the Iron Curtain imploding. Derek always had interesting discussions, anecdotes and a quiet sense of humour. A true gentleman.
Walter Salmaniw MD
November 3, 2024
A true friend to the Ukrainian community, he will be missed.
Roman Waschuk
November 2, 2024
Condolences on the passing of a much-admired colleague and role-model. Derek´s commitment to Canadian core values, and to the countries where he represented them, is particularly evident in the case of Ukraine. His voice will be missed.
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