Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
William Frazer Obituary
Willam R. Frazer, Senior Vice President, Emeritus of the University of California (UC) system and Professor of Physics Emeritus UC Berkeley, died in Oakland, CA, on February 2, 2025, from complications related to pneumonia.
As Provost of the University of California's nine-campus system from 1981 to 1991, Bill was responsible for oversight of the scientific programs of the Los Alamos, Livermore, and Berkeley National Laboratories. His legacy includes two institutions he shepherded into being: the twin ten-meter Keck telescopes atop Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaii; and the American University of Armenia in Yerevan, Armenia, founded in 1991, which recently established a professorship in his name.
Bill was a respected and beloved member of the scientific community in Aspen, Colorado, where he lived full-time from 2001-2021. He served on the Boards of Trustees of both the Aspen Center for Physics and the Aspen Science Center.
He began his academic career in 1960, as a member of the Department of Physics of the University of California, San Diego, where he conducted research and published extensively on the theory of the elementary particles. He received a Ph.D. from UC Berkeley, and an A.B. from Carleton College.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Jane; and his children, Bruce and Katherine. Donations in his name may be made to Carleton College or to the American University of Armenia.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Frazer
2 Entries
Clay Hoffman
March 31, 2025
I was an undergraduate at UC San Diego forty years and took an introductory physics caught taught be Professor Frazer. I have never forgotten what a kind gentleman he was.
Katherine Frazer
February 6, 2025
WR Frazer, who I call "Dad," was a man with a mild manner but a strong will. For someone I always thought of as kind of a nerd, and definitely a 98 lb weakling of comic book fame, he stood up for his beliefs and once I even saw him push his body against a young hipster at the ski lift who was rude to my Mom ! That was kind of odd but when he had to defend affirmative action to the legislature one more dreaded time that I saw his strength in action: he believed in keeping his word and doing the right thing if possible.
He was a pretty fun Dad too. He and Mom put us in our 6 yr old size hiking boots and dragged us up Mt. Stonewall or to Mission Gorge and we would "belay on!" Sometimes I would just quit and call "I need an elevator, Daddy." He would pull me up out of some chimney dangling at the end of a rope. Practicing how to tie a bowline with him, "the bunny comes around the tree and down the hole, right, Daddy?"
I remember when he was the Provost of Third College at UCSD we had a party and even Angela Davis was there and my brother and I knew we were cool.
Later , he became the academic VP of UC Sysyem he would come home and flop on the floor in front of the fireplace and fall deep asleep. This was a foreign behavior for him and shows his dedication to the UC enterprise.
His biggest love, though, was my mother, Jane Zaiser Frazer. The two of them were a club no one else could join. He stayed around as long as he could to be with her. We´ll all miss him.
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in William Frazer's name
Memorial Events
for William Frazer
How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor William Frazer's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
