Donald FRASER

DR. DONALD A. S. FRASER OC 1925 - 2020 With sadness we write that Donald Alexander Stuart Fraser passed away on Monday, December 21. His beloved wife Nancy Reid was by his side. Don was born in Toronto on April 29 to Maxwell John Fraser and Ailie Jean (Stuart) Fraser. He was raised in Stratford and went to high school at St. Andrews' College in Aurora. He studied mathematics, physics and chemistry at the University of Toronto (Trinity College) and obtained his PhD from Princeton University. At Princeton he specialized in the newly developing area of statistics; after graduating in 1949 he began a long and successful career in academia at the University of Toronto, becoming the founding Chair of the Department of Statistics in 1977. Don was an exceptionally creative thinker, who made deep and original contributions to statistical science. He was a charismatic teacher who inspired many generations of students; tributes from colleagues around the world emphasized his intellectual contributions as well as his kind and gentle manner. Canada is renowned for the high quality of its research and training in statistical science, and this owes a direct and profound debt to Don's many years of leadership. A highlight of his distinguished career was his appointment to the Order of Canada in 2011. Don was endlessly curious, taking delight in the unique and unconventional. He had a life-long interest in architecture, and was the client for Ron Thom's "Fraser House" in Toronto. He is remembered as impressively energetic and ambitious, even in his later years. He was always up for an adventure, from his legendary canoe trip to James Bay to waterskiing until age 75. Don spent nearly 90 summers on Lake Temagami, where he exercised his interest in architecture and his talents in construction to oversee the building of several cabins, docks, breakwaters and more. He loved to figure out how things worked and was always devising new projects and improvements. He winterized the buildings so he could visit year-round, and there is a large collection of family stories about mishaps - travelling to an island in the winter can be full of surprises. Don had an equally extraordinary personal life, and leaves his daughters Julie, Danae, Maia, Andrea, Ailana, Ailie, and Donelle, and several grandchildren and great grandchildren; his grandsons Derek and Raúl spent many joyful childhood moments with Don. He is remembered by his daughters as a loving dad with a goofy sense of humour who encouraged them to think independently and to only read the instructions once all else had failed. Don had a special intellectual and personal connection with Nancy, and they spent many happy years together travelling, working, and raising Ailie and Donelle. He will be remembered for his gentle kindness, quiet confidence, and brilliant mind. In lieu of flowers, please consider planting a tree or making a donation in Don's memory to the MS Society of Canada.