Fraser Hart Kershaw

Fraser Hart Kershaw August 22, 1948 - May 26, 2007 Fraser Hart Kershaw died unexpectedly on Saturday, May 26, 2007. He was undisputably one State College's most creative individuals. He was born Aug. 22, 1948, in Key West, Fla. Fraser was raised in State College, where he touched the lives of everyone he met and anyone who was lucky enough to encounter his fantastic displays of artwork. One page can hardly describe him justly and those who knew him will agree wholeheartedly, for he was a pioneer of astonishing originality when it came to his art, which encompassed his home, landscaping, vehicles, clothing, and most of all his wonderful, loving un-judgmental personality. Everyone who knew Fraser admired him for his uniqueness, his zest for life, and the care-giving ability which he extended to everyone he met. He also had a great ability to make a person smile. He enjoyed all types of music — especially soul. His dancing ability would rank with any professional dancer's. Fraser Kershaw was a wonderful father, sportsmen and hunter. He was very active in the community and will be truly missed by all, especially his biological son, Fraser, and his foster children, whom he loved unconditionally. Fraser graduated from State College Area High School in 1967 and attended Williamsport Tech in 1967 for sign design. He attended Penn State University. After traveling the world from Australia to the Caribbean, he enlisted in the Army 60-71 and served in the Vietnam War with the 45th Med Co (Air Amb) US ARV. He evacuated dead and wounded soldiers for a year and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air crewman wings, and the Air Medal. In the 1970s Fraser was instrumental in the revitalization of the State College Area Jaycees. He served as vice president for the State College High School Alumni Association. He contributed to many committees, including the Centre County Junior Miss Scholarship Pageant, for which he designed and constructed many pageant stage sets. He created artwork and floats for multiple State College events, parades, and arts festivals. Fraser was an installation artist and a master of relational aesthetics. Some of his most memorable creations were his pumpkin pole projects, which drew national attention. He designed a 150-pound Nittany Lion made out of prickly burdock, and a multi-sized interchangeable sculpture of heart shapes when put together created a giant lion face. He was a designer of many unforgettable signature kites and cars. Fraser was constantly in the local and national papers and magazines for his creative endeavors, which he did out of love for people, art, nature and State College. Fraser won the very first Grange Fair smashup derby in the car he designed "The Grange Grinder." Fraser was a natural athlete and sportsman; he was one of the first people to ride a snowboard on Tussey Mountain and avidly continued to do so at the age of 58. He was always in peak physical condition his entire life, which allowed him to excel in hunting, hang-gliding, roller skating, body building, salsa dancing, unicycling, and motorcycle riding (he owned a 1948 Indian). For many years he held the record for climbing Mount Nittany, making the trip in all types of weather. Fraser Hart Kershaw was an amazing, unique and irreplaceable individual. His passing will end an era in State College that no one will ever forget. Fraser was the son of the late Robert E. Kershaw and Joanne Hart Kershaw. He is survived by two brothers, Rock Kershaw, of Raleigh, N.C. and his wife, Vive, and their children, Matthew and Katherine; and Carter Kershaw, of State College. He is also survived by his adult children, a daughter and five sons, Lisa, Fraser Hart Kershaw II and his wife Brittany, Stan and his wife, Kate, and their son Dalton, Scott and his wife Nicole with children, Andrew, Nick, and Courtney, Steve and children Devin and Ashley, Eliot, their mother Lorrie, and his atomic dog, Stubby. Memorial contributions may be made in remembrance of Fraser Kershaw to Centre County Children and Youth Services, 420 Holmes St. Suite 201, Bellefonte PA 16823 (phone number 814-355-6755). Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 1, 2007, at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 2, 2007, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Spring Creek Presbyterian Cemetery, with full military honors accorded. Following the service there will be a gathering for family friends and loved ones. The location will be announced.