Col. John L. FRAZER

FRAZER, Col. John L. (RCAF) O.M.M., M.S.C., C.D., Colonel John (Jack) Loughton Frazer slipped the surly bonds of earth at 1122 hours on December 17th, 2012. Jack passed away after a brief illness in Victoria, BC, with family at his side. Born in Kamloops on December 20, 1931, Jack leaves behind his wife of 56 years, June, son Bradley (Susan) and daughters Lee Valentine (David) and Kimberly Mann (Kelly) as well as many friends from around the world. Jack was predeceased by his son Drew in 1984 and grandson Paul in 1998. Jack was a loving and supportive Opa to Scott (Amy), Spencer, Marites, Lindsay, and Rodel and Great Opa to Bella. Jack was a proud member of the Canadian Forces, spanning the years 1951 to 1986 where he attained the rank of Colonel and was awarded the Order of Military Merit, Meritorious Service Cross and the Canadian Forces Decoration. While in the RCAF, Jack commanded several different units and squadrons in Canada, the US and Europe, and flew a variety of aircraft including the F86 Sabre and the CF 104 Starfighter. In 1954 he became a member of the Fireballs aerobatic team performing air shows throughout Europe. He was selected to join the RCAF Golden Hawks aerobatic team in 1961. In 1983 Jack was posted to Zimbabwe where, as Military Attaché, he was accredited to Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Botswana. In 1985 while on a routine visit to Uganda, a coup d'état occurred. Jack met with the British High Commission in Kampala and assisted in organizing the evacuation of the citizens of ten western nations from Uganda to Kenya. For his actions, Jack was awarded the Meritorious Service Cross by Governor General Jean Sauvé. In 1986 Jack and June returned to Canada and retired on Salt Spring Island. On Salt Spring, the Frazers were regular supporters of Legion Branch 92 and patrons of the Chemainus Theatre. The annual April 1st RCAF celebration, inspired by Jack, was a cornerstone of their social calendar, as it brought back so many memories of a great career. Retirement also meant extensive travels including many cruise and barge holidays and of course his beloved SPAADS and 104 Association reunions with his former fellow fliers. As a Reform Party member, Jack was elected Member of Parliament for Saanich-Gulf Islands in October 1993. He served as Defense and Veterans Affairs Critic and Deputy Whip and sat on seven Parliamentary Committees during the 35th Parliament. His Private Members Bill establishing the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal was passed into law in 1997. Retiring from politics in 1997, Jack was appointed to the Veterans Review and Appeal Board after which he retired for the third and final time. Jack was subsequently awarded the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal for service to his country. Celebration of Life will be held at 443 Squadron Hangar at Victoria Airport on January 24, 2013 at 1300 hrs. Donations in memory of Jack can be made to the Salt Spring Island Royal Canadian Legion Branch 92. PRET, DISPOS ET CAPABLE