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Robert Fraser Obituary
Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Robert attended Western Maryland College at age 16, Jefferson Medical College at 20, interned at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia at 24, and followed with a residency in internal medicine and Pulmonology also at Pennsylvania Hospital.
Robert has always had an adventurer's spirit and first visited Alaska in 1953 while still in medical school. He immediately fell in love with the people and the land. After completing his internship, Dr. Fraser joined the US Public Health Service so he could return. He first served in Sitka, running the Mt. Edgecombe Hospital, then the Kotzebue hospital . After Kotzebue, Dr. Fraser left the Public Health Service and joined the State of Alaska department of Public Health to serve as Chief of Tuberculosis (TB) Control, then Director until 1987. He then managed the TB program for Silver Springs, Maryland for 5 years. After which he returned to Alaska to work for the Veterans Administration for another 5 years before finally retiring.
His professional accomplishments were many. He revolutionized TB treatment in Alaska and oversaw the reduction of TB from the highest rates in the world to less than 30 cases / 100,000 people. Dr. Fraser also instituted immunization programs in Alaska for children against multiple infectious diseases.
Robert was an exceptionally generous and giving man who made many lifelong friends. His home was always open and filled with guests, mostly from the villages, but also from Japan, Great Britain, Sweden, France, South America, and New Zealand. He truly left the world a better place, not only medically but by his kindness and generosity of spirit.
He leaves behind his wife of 51 years, Dr. Shirley Fraser; his sons, Will & Robert; his daughter in laws, Mimi & Chisako; and 3 lovely grand daughters, Natalie, Emiko and Ayako. Dr. Fraser was predeceased by his son Philip 26 years ago.
A memorial service will be held June 21 2:00 p.m., to 4:00 p.m., at the UAA Lucy Cuddy Hall.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Fraser
6 Entries
Judy Johnson, Harry Harvey & Wynona Sampson
June 21, 2014
Bob was a brilliant, remarkable, thoughtful, kind, happy, humble and generous man with a great sense of humor. He loved people and people LOVED him! We have known him for over 56 years and it never ceased to amaze us how he impacted and touched so many lives so deeply through his journey. He will always be remembered, cherished and treasured and we are all better people for having known him. Some men leave their mark on the world by the way they live and the difference they make in the lives they touch. Bob made a difference! Shirley, you also are an amazing, remarkable, thoughtful, kind and generous woman and Bob was so proud of you. Although no words of sympathy can ease the loss you bear, we hope you and your family find some comfort knowing others truly care.
Stephenita Devlin
June 21, 2014
My condolences to the Fraser family. I met the Dr. Frasers during my employment at the Old ANS Hospital. I have nothing but admiration for both doctors for their dedication and respect for the indigenous people of Alaska.
Henry & Asa Shen
June 20, 2014
Our sincere condolences to the Fraser family. May God's love enclothe you in comfort & peace as you grieve his departure.
The Grant Henderson Family
June 18, 2014
Our condolences, Shirley & family.
Dennis Greenwood
June 16, 2014
My condolence to the family. Dr. Fraser was a great man and friend. He will be greatly missed by all.
Vernita Vestal
June 15, 2014
My dearest condolences to Dr. Fraser's family. My sincerest thank you to Dr Fraser for securing a job for me when I first moved to Anchorage, from Kotzebue in 1970. I never forgot you!
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