Ricky Fraser

Finally at peace, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ricky Fraser on Monday, November 16, 2020 at 66 years young, in the arms of his beautiful angel on earth, Kare Bear.  Beloved husband, best friend and soul mate of Karen Elizabeth (Tayles) for 45 years. Cherished Dad of Dave (Jenn) Fraser, Lynsey (Kevin) Philipsen and Jamie (Danielle) Fraser.  Admired Brother of Kerry (Kathy) Fraser.  Adored Grandpa of Ainsley and Ashton, Ava and Ethan, Fraser and Kensley and Jackson and Joey. Treasured brother-in-law of Debbie & Dave Brown, Margo Smith (Greg), Mary Jo & Pat McAuley, Mark & Janice Tayles and Brad & Kellie Tayles.  He will be missed by many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.  Predeceased by his Mom and Dad, Barb and Hilt Fraser, and by his mother and father-in law, Jean and Dave Tayles.

Ricky was born and raised in Sarnia, with his brother Kerry.  His love of hockey took him from the Sarnia Junior Bees, to the Oshawa Generals of the OHL, his draft to the Chicago Blackhawks and to the WHA Indianapolis Racers.  His next move took him to the NAHL with the Mohawk Valley Comets and then to the IHL Toledo Goaldiggers, which ultimately brought him to his final hockey destination, the Port Huron Flags.  His many hockey accomplishments led to his proud induction into the Sarnia-Lambton Sports Hall of Fame in 2019 as a Professional Athlete.

His love for his family and friends brought him back to Sarnia to begin his 30 year career as a Sarnia Firefighter.  Here he was recruited by Chief Jim Knight (partly because the department needed hockey players), which led to many cherished and treasured relationships with his firefighter brothers.

His love and passion for hockey also extended to many fulfilling years of coaching and refereeing.  His last experience being extra special as he had the opportunity to coach his grandson, Ashton, in Minor Atom AAA, where they took home the “Team of the Year” award for the Lambton Jr. Sting Organization.  He also loved playing in the Point Edward Senior Hockey League and even after he was diagnosed with cancer and felt too weak to play, he enjoyed refereeing his teammates and heckling them from the stands.  Another very special hockey group that was near and dear to his heart was the Sarnia Oldtimers and The Wednesdays Hockey League.  The Wednesdays League has been around for more than 40 years and his son, Jamie, is still carrying on his legacy as he now rips it up in these fun hockey shenanigans.  Since the inauguration of Perry’s 3 on 3 Spring Hockey League in 2007, Ricky also truly enjoyed his time spent with family friend, Jeff Perry, and refereeing the countless number of youth over those years.

Ricky lived 1000 years in his 66 calendar years that his family and friends had with him because he genuinely cherished life.  He was a rare combination of someone who had a love of life and a firm understanding of what was important; the simplicity of living a life with those you love!  Rick always made friends wherever he went, whether it be his frequent visits to some of his favourite places, The Cromwell Grill, Albert’s in Point Edward and The Moose Lodge where you would often find him playing his guitar and singing songs for the “Moose Lodge Crew” on Friday nights.  His passion for music and playing guitar didn’t stop there as both he and his dad, Hilt, would frequent some of the local long-term care homes in Sarnia and sing and play for their residents. He was also an avid antique collector and muscle car enthusiast, which brought Rick around to the numerous local car shows over the years and also in Port Huron, Grand Bend and Bayfield.  It wasn’t uncommon to see Ricky and Karen, driving around town with the top down in his yellow ’88 convertible Corvette in the summertime.

Many years ago, Ricky and Karen found a special “home” on Mackinac Island during their travels with Ricky’s parents, Hilt and Barb, which later would also be shared with his children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren.  It was here they made some remarkable, genuine and lasting relationships with some of the local Islander’s who made all the Fraser’s feel like family.  Ricky and Hilt’s love for music and playing guitar found their way to the Mustang Lounge on the Island where they would play and sing for the patron’s.  This eventually led to forming a small band called “Hilt and the Boy’s” along with Glenn and Jason St. Onge and Pete Kehoe where they became instant Mackinac Island celebrities!  He will miss all of his Island family! 

After Ricky’s retirement from the Sarnia Professional Fire Department, both he and Karen would travel with his brother and sister-in-law, Kerry and Kathy, to Aruba for family vacations and instantly fell in love with this beautiful island.  He looked forward to these special times between both families and made some lasting and loving memories.

Of all the people he touched in his life, his proudest achievement was marrying his beautiful wife Karen, who lovingly supported him until their final moments together. To say that Karen (aka Kare Bear or Taylzee) never left his side during his two-year battle with cancer, would be an understatement! Truly undying love!

Ricky and Karen’s most well-known claim to fame is probably their famous bicycle built for two rides about town! In other words…. Where you go, I go

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Dad’s caring and compassionate doctor/family friend, Allison Crombeen who has always gone above and beyond. Also, a special thanks to Dr. Glen Maddison and Dad’s oncologist Dr. Julie Lebert, for always having Dad’s best interests at heart. Our family feels so grateful and blessed to have had the most extraordinary angels in the form of nurses, caring for Dad during his short stay in Palliative Care at Bluewater Health. Michelle, Courtney, Christine, Leah, Joanne, Cheryl, Dana, Alanna and the rest of the remarkable palliative team, you’ll never know how much your kindness and compassion meant to all of us.

Because of uncertain COVID times, a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

Due to Ricky’s love for animals and the outstanding care that he received in hospital, we ask that you consider donations to the Sarnia Humane Society or Bluewater Heath Palliative Care in remembrance of Ricky Fraser.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the D. J. Robb Funeral Home & Cremation Centre (102 N. Victoria St, Sarnia, ON, N7T 5W9). Memories and messages of condolence may be sent through www.djrobb.on.ca