Fraser, Alex

1916-1989

Alexander Vaughan Fraser was born in Victoria on June 22, 1916, the first of four children of John A. Fraser and his second wife, Lillian (Vaughan) Fraser. His childhood was spent living between the provincial capital, Victoria, and his beloved Quesnel. His father being a politician throughout Alex's life, Alex spent time in Ottawa on numerous occasions as well. After completing his education in Quesnel, Alex became a freight truck driver. He and partner, Wood, operated their own transport business between Vancouver and Prince George. 'Wood & Fraser Transport' was the first of its kind to hold a license authorizing public freight. In 1937 he met Miss Gertrude Watt, who was the Matron of the Quesnel Hospital. The young couple were married in Quesnel on August 7, 1940. During WWII, Alex enlisted and served in the Royal Canadian Army Services Corps in British Columbia and Ontario from 1942 until his discharge in March, 1946. Gertrude followed him whenever she could, nursing most of the time. They were together in any case. Back in Quesnel, he worked in his father's general store on Front Street. Taking a keen interest in the farm equipment catalogues in his father's office, Alex was soon selling machinery, etc., from those catalogues. When the machinery needed repairs and replacement parts, Alex partnered with his wife's brother, Jim Watt, who owned the local bakery, to provide these services. Together they formed F & W Trucking and Equipment Ltd., with Alex as salesman. Alex's nearly 40 years in politics commenced in early 1950 when he began as Commissioner of the Village of Quesnel, a position won in the fall election of 1949. The following fall he ran for Chairman and was successful again. He held this position until 1958, when Quesnel received Town status. Alex then became the Mayor of Quesnel and held that position until 1969, at which time he ran for and was elected to the B.C. Legislature, as M.L.A. for Cariboo. During his time as Mayor of Quesnel, Alex served as president of the Union of B.C. Municipalities, and was later named a life member of that organization. Alex's dedication to his community resulted in his being named a Freeman of the City of Quesnel and an Honourary life Member of the Board of Directors of the G. R. Baker Memorial Hospital. Quesnel's major outdoor park was also named in his honour. Alex was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 94 and the Elks Lodge No. 298. Throughout his parliamentary career, Alex was known as the politician with 'rugged determination and individualism' who worked solely for the benefit of his constituents. His love for the Cariboo was evident in his every move. He was re-elected in 1972, 1975, 1979, 1983 and 1986. On December 22, 1975 Alex was appointed Minister of Highways and Public works. Then, on December 4, 1978 he was appointed Minister of Transportation, Communications and Highways and the Minister responsible for the B.C. Ferry Corporation. He again became the Minister of Transportation and Highways on November 23, 1979. Following the 1983 election, Alex retained that portfolio, as well as the Minister responsible for the B.C. Ferry Corporation. In 1986 Alex became ill and was diagnosed with throat cancer. He lost his voice after surgery in June, but ran in the election that same year. As Gertrude later put it, "He ran for election in September and was re-elected without saying a word!!" The cancer returned in 1988. Alex and Gertrude went home to Quesnel. He spent the last few months of his life in the Palliative Care ward of the G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital. Alex died at the age of 72. It was May 9, 1989 and he was surrounded by family and friends. One thousand mourners, including a number of renowned political figures, aattended services for Alex in the Quesnel Senior Secondary school auditorium. All were there to pay their respects a say farewell to a British Columbia political legend and true friend. Gertrude (Watt) Fraser was a nurse, a wife, a mother and public figure. Throughout Alex's political career, Gertrude could be seen at his side, Alex's staunchest supporter. After her retirement from the hospital in 1956 she spent much of her time travelling with Alex. Her opinion meant a great deal to him and she was described as his unofficial advisor. After Alex's death in 1989, Gertrude somehow continued without him, generously giving of herself to the community. She made inspirational speeches to various local groups and continued to volunteer her time to worthy causes. Gertrude passed away on February 17, 2003, at the age of 91.