On December 13th 1968 there passed away suddenly at 713 Home Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, at the age of 81 years, Mrs Jane Fraser, widow of Donald A. Fraser. Mr Fraser died in 1966 when Rev. Fraser Tallach was in Winnipeg and he officiated at the funeral. Mrs Fraser’s remains were laid to rest beside those of her husband in Brookside cemetery.
It is with deep regret that I, as last Church Deputy to Canada, record this death in the pages of the Magazine and mention a few facts concerning this warm-hearted friend of the Cause of Christ in Winnipeg. It was my privilege for three months in the summer and autumn of 1968 to enjoy the hospitality of her home. Although she was over 80 years of age, yet, Lydia-like (Acts 16: 14 and 15), she offered me a room in her home, and during my stay in that city she most willingly attended on me while accepting what could only be termed a nominal remuneration for all her labour and expense.
Mrs Fraser was born in Rogart, Sutherland, on 24th September 1887. Her father, Donald Sutherland, was removed by death when she was seven months old. There was a family of eight, and in 1905 the family emigrated to Canada and settled in Winnipeg. In 1910 she married Donald Fraser and went to reside at 718 Home Street, where she was to spend the rest of her life. She had a family of two sons and three daughters, all of whom survive her, as well as nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
We regret that we have no information regarding Mrs Fraser’s exercise of mind in coming to a knowledge of the truth. It was in 1926 that she became a member in full communion in the Church. It was evident from her deep attachment to the Lord’s Cause and from her desire for its advancement that she had been brought to prize the things which concern the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. She was exemplary in her attendance at the house of God and consequently will be greatly missed from her place in the Winnipeg Church. She longed to see the congregation prosper and a ministry set over it. In connection with this last matter she mentioned to me shortly before I left, the encouragement she had received from the words in Isaiah 30, 20: “thine eyes shall see thy teachers”.
During my time in Winnipeg, Mrs Fraser made every effort to encourage others to hear the Gospel, urging them to come to the services. She had a warm interest in the Rhodesian Mission and gave liberally of her means for its support as well as generously supporting the other funds of the congregation and Church. She could not understand the attitude of those who though professing an interest in Christ’s Cause were niggardly in giving of their means for its support. Mrs Fraser was naturally of a forthright disposition and had no hesitation in expressing her opposition to anything she thought to be wrong. Last September she had a great desire to attend the Vancouver communion and was afraid lest anything should arise to prevent her going. Her desire was granted and she came home satisfied that she had accomplished it. In Vancouver she stayed with her twin sister, Mrs Mowat, who is a member in that congregation.
Her prayers, her advice, her entreaties, her warnings, are now ended. May she being dead yet speak. May fruit follow to God’s glory in the lives of those with whom she had close contact for many years, especially her family and friends. Her desire for those whom she knew and loved was that they might come to value the Gospel and prize the Saviour whom to know is eternal life.
We extend our sincere sympathy to the large family circle of sorrowing relatives. May they each one be led to put their trust for eternity in Christ the only Saviour, and may they be brought to manifest in their lives a deep and sincere attachment to the Lord’s Cause and Kingdom in the world.
D.B.M.