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Rose Funeral & Cremation - Mann

6200 Kingston Pike

Knoxville, Tennessee

Bruce Fraser Obituary

Bruce Fraser

Knoxville, TN

Bruce Malcolm Fraser, age 58, of Knoxville, was welcomed home by his Heavenly Father on Sunday, June 28, 2015. Bruce was an active member of Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church. He loves his family more than anything in the world, and it shows in the legacy of his life. His family also loves and adores him without bounds. Born in Southern California, Bruce earned bachelor degrees in Chemical Engineering and Computer Science from the University of Maryland and a Masters in Computer Science from John Hopkins University. He worked for over 25 years in simulation engineering at Exitech Corp., located in Maryville. An engineer by day, by night Bruce was a loyal husband and father, unbeatable ping pong player, eclipsed basketball star, Alaskan stone-skipping champion, explorer of the outdoors and the American West, hiker, inventive gardener, budding craftsman, and driver of Cedar Springs' ESL Ministry van, which he preferred to refer to as "the rolling wheels of mercy." Bruce never met a stranger. He cared about everyone he met and saw the good in every person. He noticed and loved those who normally went unnoticed. He was compassionate, protective, trustworthy, hardworking, and had courage to do the right thing no matter the cost. Bruce was fiercely proud of his wife and children. In short, he is a great man.

Bruce was predeceased by his father, Dr. Robert Fraser. He is survived by his wife, Debbie Fraser; children Andrew, Kathryn, Thomas and wife Olivia, and Anna Fraser; mother Sylvia Fraser; brother Hugh Serendahl, and extended family.

A celebration of Bruce's life will be held in the Chapel at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church on Thursday, July 2 at 6:30 p.m., with receiving of friends to follow. Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel, www.rosemortuary.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Knoxville News Sentinel from Jun. 30 to Jul. 2, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Fraser

17 Entries

Todd Mullholand

October 13, 2015

Bruce and I became friends while serving together at Cedar Springs Presbyterian church over 10 years ago. We continued that friendship and met a few times every year for breakfast. Bruce was an excellent listener,encourager,and I valued him as my friend. I was deeply saddened by the news of his passing, but I'm comforted knowing God is in control. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Rick Dagen

July 29, 2015

Bruce and I were best friends a (large) number of years ago in High School at Springbrook. We played basketball together and hung out a lot. I enjoyed spending time at our houses. (I wonder if he ever played bridge again?)

The last time I googled him before yesterday was at a dedication ceremony relating to our old basketball coach. Technology being what it is, I found his phone number and called from the ceremony, and he was there!! Very cool. We spoke and I passed him to some other teammates. I much wanted to reconnect with him.

I read the obituary with sadness but also with recognition. He was one of the nicest people I have ever known. My condolences to everyone who was fortunate enough to have him as a part of their lives over the years. I've always felt not having in my life as a loss.

We are having our 40th High School Reunion in September and I have passed on the information. I don't know if Bruce was planning to attend. I would have loved to see him.

Rick

Heather Rittiner

July 27, 2015

Dearest Family,

Thinking of you as time passes on, although the sheer disbelief has not. I know there is some comfort found in those little things that feel like communications or "post-it notes" from him. Reading many of the entries here, I prefer to think of him off leading a new Young Life group far away... who knows, maybe he is; or maybe he's just driving the bus for those that have decided to come along. Either way, what we do know is he's found the relief that only Heaven can offer. Big Bruce/Dad hugs to you all!

Margie (Stowell) Hemingway

July 25, 2015

Just thought today about Bruce, and did a search on Facebook. How sad I am to have this be the result of my search. Bruce was my Younglife leader back in the early 80's. I remember his gentle spirit, his kindness and his humble love for Jesus. When he got engaged, he told us he was leaving YL to focus on being a good husband to Debbie. That taught me so much about the character I should look for in a husband someday myself. I still have his "Top Ten Tips" for our Christian walk in my journal. I never forgot his #1 tip: get your eyes off yourself, and keep them on Jesus. That advice has been so important to my life, especially during times of great difficulty and stress, or depression. My deepest sympathy to his wife, children, and extended family and church family. I haven't seen him since those YL days, but I never forgot him, so I cannot begin to imagine your sorrow. May our Father comfort you and strengthen you and keep you. Remember: Keep your eyes on Jesus ~ that's where Bruce is, too.

Michael Long

July 7, 2015

Bruce was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word, being always a good friend and of pleasant demeanor. He was very professional, working without tire in his efforts to deliver a quality product. He enriched not only the lives of those who knew him well, but all those who met him.

Diane Conard

July 2, 2015

Andrew & Family - My heart goes out to you. Cherish your wonderful memories and lean on God in the days ahead.

July 2, 2015

Debbie...very sorry about your loss. Bruce was a pleasure to work with, and a very kind and gentle person. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Ron and Connie Bruno

Tom Kienzl

July 1, 2015

Debbie: My heart aches for you. I've always thought of Bruce as a gentle giant a big ol' cuddly teddy bear. Physically, he casts a large, imposing figure (especially to someone as height-challenged as me), yet personally, he has always been warm and welcoming, with a smile that never seems to fade. He will be sorely missed, but ever so fondly remembered. Know that there is an army of people praying for you and your family. Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16
Andrew, Kathryn, Thomas, and Anna: I will pray for God's comfort for you. If, when I leave this world, I will have had the impact on my children that your father has had on you, I will consider myself a wealthy man indeed. I pray that God will protect those memories etched on your hearts so that one day you can tell your children in all those colorful ways what a great man their grandfather was.

With deepest love and sympathy,

Kathryn Skaggs

July 1, 2015

I have never met Bruce, but I knew Anna in high school and his wife was my chemistry teacher. I heart dropped today when my mother told me the news. My thoughts and prayers go out for the Fraser family.

John and Deb Russell

July 1, 2015

Dear Debbie - We are so very saddened to hear of Bruce's passing. He was such a lovely man who absolutely made you feel good whenever you saw him. He truly embodied the characteristics of a loving family man. We are sending much love to you and your family.

July 1, 2015

Debbie and family,
We are so sorry and saddened to hear of Bruce's passing. I enjoyed getting to know him during our Farragut basketball days - such a kind and friendly man. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
The Carroll Family

Melissa Hardin

July 1, 2015

Mrs. Fraser, I'm so sorry for your loss. While I never met your husband, you are an amazing teacher and wonderful person and I know he must have been just as fantastic as you. All my love,
Melissa Hardin
FHS class of 2006

Wanda Mooney

July 1, 2015

Debbie,
We were all shocked to hear this. Our prayers have been going up since we heard Monday for your entire wonderful family.

Wanda Mooney & your Weekday School family

Andy Hyams

July 1, 2015

Debbie, we were all so sad to hear the news about Bruce. He had such an impact on my life and my walk as a Christian. He always made time for me and I have so many wonderful memories. God has called his faithful servant home. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time from our family.

Kathy Hudson

July 1, 2015

So sorry for your loss Debbie; my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Kathy, from your JJill family

R-L Bruce, Donna Murphy, Mary Smiraglia Cunningham, John Stathes in a Skyland weekend skit. Bruce was a GI Joe doll.

Karen Lees

July 1, 2015

Bruce was my Young Life leader in the late 70s. He was a sweet, kind man. Compassionate and thoughtful. He challenged me to think hard about my goal to train to be a YL leader myself, wisely counseling me that it was not a small commitment, and not one to be taken lightly. I went on to be a leader into the late 80s at Northwood, Wheaton, Paint Branch, and Seneca Valley high schools. Whoever wrote Bruce's obituary deserves some sort of award. It was delightful to read about his life after I last saw him. Blessings and comfort to the family. Thank you, Bruce, for investing in me as a teen.

Joe Lavelline

July 1, 2015

Debbie and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you this difficult time. Bruce had a great impact on those around him; I know I am a better person for having known him. He will live on in the hearts of those who loved him most. All my best. Joe

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