Goodbye Big Guy

Remembering our good friend, Fraser Smith

Fraser Smith and Chamber of Commerce President, John Treleaven

Always the life of the party, Fraser Smith was a man full of enthusiasms. He could play pretty much any instrument presented to him, invited friends to impromptu dinner parties, and would argue politics at the drop of a hat. 

His hard-charging ways led to much success financially, but he was a big, generous man who mentored many and was blind to distinctions of race, creed, colour, gender or economic status.

With tears in his eyes, he cheered and applauded Judy louder than anyone else in the room.

One of my first interactions with Fraser was when his beautiful, talented and equally enthusiastic wife Judy won “The Hearts of the Community” Award for her volunteer work in Saanich Peninsula Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit. With tears in his eyes, he cheered and applauded Judy louder than anyone else in the room.

When Fraser got down to work, whether at the offices of The Smith Manouevre, or in organizing a community event, he meant business. He assumed everyone was as diligent and committed as he was, and God help you if you disappointed him. There was method to his madness, though. I never saw him fail. He oversaw events that raised many thousands of dollars for the Sidney by the Sea Rotary Club; events that resulted in large contributions to community projects.

The closest I ever worked with Fraser was when he decided the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation should win the Chamber of Commerce’s Crystal Award for Business of the Year—not-for-profit. He threw himself into this project with his characteristic verve and dedication. He recruited a committee of (mostly) willing volunteers and then set about building a campaign the Chamber couldn’t help but notice. Take a look at Carolyn Stout’s article to see how big the campaign got. There are very few times in my life that I experienced so much pride and joy, as when I accepted that award. Fraser knew that I have always striven to fund the Foundation in a business-like manner, and his help and encouragement led to an acknowledgement of that fact from the broader business community.

Fraser Smith accomplished a lot in life—a distinguished career, a loving family and friends all over the world. Even more than these things, I will remember him for his huge heart, his love of good food, good wine and good times, and the loyal and loving friendship he brought to my life.