Harry Fraser

WINSLOW – Harry Fraser, 69, of Winslow, passed away earlier this week, surrounded by family and friends. Our grief is profound. He left this world with much remaining on his ‘to do’ list. Every item on that list centered on spending time with those he cared deeply about.

Born on Jan. 28, 1952 in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, Harry was the only son born to Eleanor (Fox) and Herbert Fraser. Tales from his youth reveal a zest for life and mischief as well as a deep appreciation for the families that embraced him as their own during his youth in the town of New Glasgow, NS. Harry grew up in a vibrant and well established neighborhood of young families sharing common values and tight knit bonds that had a lasting impact on his personal development. Always one to lend a hand, his smiling face and unassuming demeanor warmed the hearts of everyone he encountered, especially the moms. It could be said that his upbringing and late blooming as a student contributed more to his success in life than any other factor.

Upon graduation from NGHS, Harry enrolled at Husson College in Bangor where he developed life long friendships on campus as a member of the TKE fraternity. Graduating with a degree in accounting, he and his wife Linda (Hamblen) Fraser moved to Millinocket, then to the Waterville area, which would become his home for life.

Harry will be remembered by many as an enthusiastic life-long learner, always considering himself a student first and foremost. This outlook became the backdrop for his professional success, spanning industries dedicated to cutting-edge computer manufacturing, hand-crafted furniture, and heirloom seeds. His professional passions peaked in his work with a dynamic group of collaborators at the Maine Institute for Family Owned Businesses. It was the honor of his lifetime to serve alongside such talent.

On a personal level, Harry was a mentor, best friend, father, brother, hockey rink builder, and an overly exuberant supporter of his kids’ sports teams. He was always happiest ‘gifting’ of himself, his time and energy, his compassion and his support whenever the occasion arose. This trait and his strong desire to maintain integrity and dignity in all his relationships were very much a reflection of the moral fiber of his father Herb and his maternal grandfather Harry Fox, both highly regarded men from the small coal mining town of Springhill, NS.

Harry was predeceased by his parents, his sister Patricia and a very special Aunt Kay. Left behind to mourn his loss are his three sons, Ben Fraser of Littleton, NH, Chad Colford of Waterville, Jacob Fraser and wife CJ of Arlington, Massachusetts, daughter Courtney Colford of Winston- Salem NC; and his two very special granddaughters Margaret Eleanor and Acadia Jane.

Harry always maintained strong family connections to his Canadian clan, nephews Luke Morris and Jim Dexter; sister Diane and her husband Barry; cousin Fred Hawker; and the ‘neighborhood’ family friends of his youth, especially the MacKinnon and Locke families, who held a very special place in his heart. Special acknowledgement to dear friends Linda and Hollis, Brian, Bob, Scott, Tom and Mary M., and Don and Irene to name just a few. Harry’s friendships were integral to his sense of well being.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every individual that contributed to the rich tapestry of his life. God Bless each and every one of you.

A celebration of Harry’s life will be held at a later date for friends and family.

Arrangement are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, Condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that any gifts be directed to the Maine Institute for Family-Owned Business at the following web address: https://www.fambusiness.org/Donations