Dale "Fraser" Stephen passed away on June 5, 2015, at the Battlefords Union Hospital at the age of 66 years. Celebration of Life Service was held on June 11, 2015, at the Battlefords Funeral Service Garden Chapel at 7:30 pm. The Eulogy was read and prepared by Fraser's Grandson Jarett Biondo. For a grade 11 English project, I chose to write a Biography on the most important person in my life, my Grandpa Fraser. I always enjoyed listening to the stories of Grandpa's past, and consider myself very fortunate to have been able to learn as much about him as I did and to have such a great role model in my life. Over dozens of coffees and countless hours, this is his life's story: My Grandpa Fraser was born on July 17, 1948 in a little town in southwest Manitoba, into a large family with 7 sisters and 5 brothers. Grandpa was a hardworking man, and these habits began early. He recalled waking up at 5:00 am each morning since the age of 6 to milk all the cows on the farm, never earning an allowance. Grandpa walked a mile to school each day at Grenfell, SK. His parents had always strongly encouraged him to pursue his education; however he was always eager to work and moved out of his parents' home to do so at the age of 14. At this point he began work for a farmer, earning just $20 per week. He continued with his schooling until he failed grade 8, and then began focusing solely on work. Later on, with a great deal of dedication he completed his grade 12 education and attended college to become a trained diesel engine technician. However, he soon learned that he had allergies that would not allow him to pursue this career. Fraser always had an appreciation for his parents and all that they were able to teach him. There were often struggles that he had to live through, being part of such a large family, and considering his father was working a low income job. Grandpa, being the optimist he was, would make the best of these situations by going out hunting with his dog "Rusty". In his early years he also enjoyed to play baseball, and was really quite good at it. With a lot of hard work and saving, Fraser found himself his first vehicle - a 1946 international van that was converted from a dump truck. It may have not been the most glorious vehicle, but it was something that he could call his own, and he was proud to call it so. Grandpa recalls that during this time, gas was just 5 cents per litre - it really was a different world back then. My Grandpa was a real ladies man back in his prime. Back then, a date for him consisted of an evening out on the town, dancing and enjoying a few drinks - this is how he actually met his wife, at a school dance. If Fraser wasn't out pursuing the ladies, guaranteed you could find him out partying with his buddies. Fraser never lost sight of his family and what was most important to him, though. Each Sunday without fail he would go with his family to church, out for ice cream, and for an afternoon drive. Fraser was a man who has been everywhere and done just about everything. He spent years working in Calgary, earning his way mowing lawns and hauling cargo with his converted truck. Once in North Battleford, one of his proudest accomplishments was pouring concrete for and welding the ladders on the Cargill elevator, because as he told me: "the damn welder couldn't do it himself". He showed his reliable character while working for G&C Asphalt for 13 years, and being late only once. He was someone that you could truly depend on. Grandpa later worked for EZ Enterprises hauling water up at Fort Mac and later working as a mechanic in the shop. After much persuasion, Fraser finally admitted that he was of retirement age and pursued his dream career to become the world's finest greens keeper at the North Battleford golf course. Fraser spent his last years living in the town of Battleford, spending as much time as he possibly could with his grandchildren. He enjoyed gardening, golfing, playing on his tire swing, and going for coffee with his family and friends. He was someone who enjoyed the simple things in life and we will forever remember him in that way.Ìý
Ìý
Card of Thanks
With deepest gratitude we wish to thank Scott Parker of Palliative Care at BUH for his outstanding care of Fraser along with his kind consideration to our families. We would like to send a special Thank You to Bob MacKay and the entire staff at Battlefords Funeral Service for their kindness and attention to detail. Thank you to Rev. Nora Borgeson of Battlefords United Church for an amazing service and to Joan Harrison for the wonderful music. A Special Thanks to Fraser's grandchildren who shared such special memories at the service: Shandi Biondo, Jarett Biondo, Cortni Millhouse, and ShaeLynne Zyznomirski. We extend our sincerest gratitude for all that attended the service and who shared in his life.
Robert & Penny Swindler and family
Diana Millhouse and family Ìý
