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Dougal Fraser Obituary

Published by Vancouver Sun and/or The Province on Nov. 22, 2014.

Dougal Fraser 1944 - 2014 Dougal A. Fraser, retired teacher, photographer, actor, and director, died peacefully on the 18th of November, 2014. His happiest years were spent teaching young men to think for themselves and express their thoughts with clarity and courage, thus abiding by his prep-school motto: Veritas atque Valor (Truth and Courage). No service upon request.

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Recent Activity

August 12, 2016

Paul Bardal posted to the memorial.

April 18, 2015

James Dixon posted to the memorial.

March 1, 2015

Matthew Grenby posted to the memorial.

16 Entries

Paul Bardal

August 12, 2016

Dougal was a true mentor of young men; I was so fortunate to have him for three classes over two years at Glenlyon. His most important role to me was to expect us to think for ourselves and to settle for nothing less than excellenc; to help us with that, he demanded a 70% pass standard on our work and it stuck. Shakespeare was one of his teaching tools, but for me he inspired my creative writing and also my investigative ability, both of which continue decades later. There is also what he called "black inkitis", and to this day I still write with nothing else. Your spirit lives on Dougal, God Speed.

James Dixon

April 18, 2015

I met Dougal online and we connected quickly through our love of puns and humor, some good, some godawful.

In November I stopped getting his wonderful emails, but that wasn't unusual because he only sent material that he knew I'd enjoy. Sometimes, it was a few weeks between his always anticipated emails. The weeks of non-communication turned into months and when I would call, his phone had been disconnected.

A very close friend of mine, with whom I shared Dougal's humor, researched Dougal's name and discovered his obituary. Although I had surmised his passing, the truth brings home our mortality.

In reading other's comments, I appreciate the many aspects of his life that I knew nothing of. What a great guy--I will miss him and his quick sense of humor.

Matthew Grenby

March 1, 2015

The more time passes, the more I appreciate and value what I learned as Mr. Fraser's student: primarily, confidence in creative expression and pride in one's craft. Even as I write these words, I'm acutely aware of an innate obligation to avoid making a spelling or some other essential error. It was largely through Mr. Fraser's uncompromising tutelage that I earned this dignity. And so I smile with a profound, joyful gratitude and reflect fondly upon earlier, happier times.

Andrew Prest ('00)

February 11, 2015

Y'know, for a teacher I so feared from the first year in high school, you turned out to be the best one there (among many other great ones) when I finally took one of your classes.
And I still laugh about it, recounting the stories to others. What ridiculously fun craziness it all was.

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Mike Villeneuve

February 8, 2015

I'm sad to read of Dougal's death. We connected online and for several years had marvellous chats about life, teaching, great booze and all sorts of fun. He was a great jousting partner on so many topics. I've been trying to find him and concerned about no responses - it's sad to read this tonight in Ontario. A candle will be lit and a good glass poured, both in his honour.

Winston Jackson

January 1, 2015

I have known Dougal since I was age 15.We reconnected at university, then again when he was teaching and we marked Literature exams together. He was always a perfectionist,in assessing student work and in other areas of his professional life. When he retired and moved back to Victoria we shared lunches every few weeks and guffawed at many things about life.Always great lunches; the food was secondary to conversation. I am certain that had he been able to stay on in the UK and continue his acting career he would have been a household name over there.He was that good. Many of us will miss him dearly for a long time. Your life is "rounded with a kiss," old friend.

December 10, 2014

Dougal
As boys we jousted with fists and endured.
As men we dropped the gloves and extolled the words.
You stayed in school and became the vaunted master.
The students you have taught could populate
a small city - indeed, a legacy to appreciate.

Richard M. Green (Glenlyon class of 1962)

December 9, 2014

To "The Skylark"
Hail to the blithe spirt...you will be truly missed from all the folk of the sound hounds community!!
The "Boys"

peter Barlow

November 25, 2014

Sis monumentum requiris circumspice! Several hundred boys were introduced to a world far beyond their imagining by Mr Fraser. He had no tolerance for waffling or claims such as "I tried". Either you did or you didn't do it right. His praise was valued and remembered as a result, rare though it was.

Bob Bellows

November 25, 2014

Dougal and I were classmates at Shawnigan Lake graduating in 1962. I last saw him at our 50th reunion when I had the great pleasure to introduce him to my partner, Steph. We spent much of the evening together and, once again, I was treated to Dougal's wonderful grasp of the essentials of life. To be yourself and to revel in existence. I deeply regret he left us far too early. Such a huge heart. And a keen mind. What a combo.

Wenche Hemphill

November 24, 2014

Dougal Fraser was my 2 sons English teacher for several years at then Glenlyon School in Victoria. He was an incredible teacher who really brought his subject to life. He introduced the boys to Shakespear by bringing them to movies based on the Bard's plays, and by offering a chocolate bar to all who showed up! He also lent an expensive and fancy camera to my youngest son at age 13 to take action-photos of his Science Project (which incidently led to a prize at the annual Science Fair). He is remembered by all in our family.

Toby Weir-Jones

November 23, 2014

Mr. Fraser -- "Sir" -- occupies the rarefied air of profound influence in my young life. He taught a succinct style of prose, a scorn of parentheses, and an insistence of grammatical accuracy which continue to serve me well. But more importantly than any of those things, he taught me to get to the point.

I also learned from him on stage, and treasure the memory of nailing the final performance of Angelo's speech in Measure for Measure during my Grade 12 year. I saw him, in the shadows, sharing my jubilation.

I am fortunate to have known him, and learned from him. RIP.

David Robertson

November 23, 2014

Dougal,
Your command of the English language and your respect for its proper use resonated with me, as you know. Thank you for your help with some of those aspiring actors. You will be missed.

Patricia Maynard Sloan

November 23, 2014

I am deeply saddened to hear this news. Dougal always seemed ageless and beyond such mortal coils. We had many decades of happy and thought-provoking memories along with so much time spent with him from walking, practicing lines, philosphy, elaborate jokes but mostly lots of laughter and exploration. My life as well as those around him was greatly enriched by him being part of it. Thanks Dougal, from your old pal, Pat.

Alison Partridge

November 23, 2014

Dougal used to say his mind was full of useless information. He was wrong - full, yes; useless, no. His acerbic wit and irritating sarcasm challenged our view of the world. I will miss you, Dougal. Finally, RIP.

Robin-Lee Clarke

November 22, 2014

I am both surprised and saddened to read of Dougal's passing. I had seen him this summer and he seemed quite well.
He attended school with my brother, and was a friend of our family for more than 40 years. He will be missed. Robin-Lee Clarke

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