After a long and courageous battle with CBD, Dennis (Denny) Eric Frazer, 71, passed away early Sunday, January 22, 2012 at Sandringham Centre in Victoria, BC.
Dennis is predeceased by his father, Eric Frances Frazer, and leaves behind his mother, Phyllis Valda Frazer. He also leaves behind four children, Cindy (Peter) Whatmough, Scott (Letitia) Frazer, Bonnie (Gordon) O'Neill, and Heather Frazer; his brother Gordon (Jodie) Frazer; his sister Jane (Doug) Newman, as well as his nephews Kris (Katie) Newman and Eric Frazer, and nieces Megan (Chansa) Mbao and Claire (Jon) Helm, as well as many other extended family members and friends.
Dennis was born on August 15, 1940 in Edmonton, Alberta and lived there until school age at which time the family relocated to Peace River where Dennis spent a large portion of his early school years. He had great fondness for this period of his life. He later moved back to Edmonton where he attended McKearnen Junior High School, before moving onto Old Scona Composite High School, Westglen School, and finally graduating from Ross Sheppard High School as class president. Dennis also had many fond memories of summers spent with family and friends on Pigeon Lake in Alberta.
Dennis attended the University of Alberta, where he obtained a degree in Zoology. He also belonged to the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and sang in their choir. He then went on to study dentistry at the University of Alberta and the University of Manitoba. While in Dental School at U of A, Dennis participated in the University Naval Training Division (UNTD) Cornwallis and was awarded Best 1st Year Cadet.
Upon graduation from dental school, Dennis relocated to Victoria where he ran a successful dental practice from 1967 to 1970, before returning to university at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School to become an Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon. Dennis returned to Victoria upon graduation and practised from 1975 until 2005, when his illness forced him to retire early. Dennis loved his work and always said he would practice until "they carried him out". Dennis held positions as Vice President of the BC Dental Association and President of the BC Society of Oral Surgeons.
Dennis married Denise Warholm in 1967. They were married for 18 years and shared 4 beautiful children.
Dennis was a frequent lecturer for Camosun College's Dental Hygiene program, which he loved. Subsequently, when faced with early retirement, Dennis pursued a life long dream of teaching, and began teaching for the University of British Columbia School of Dentistry. He was only able to act in this capacity for a couple years, but thoroughly enjoyed the time he had in this role.
Dennis was an athlete that over the years excelled in a variety of sports including football, golf, and skiing. Right up until his illness struck, Dennis could be found rollerblading, biking and downhill skiing. He loved to be outdoors either in the mountains or on the water. Dennis also possessed a passion for travel and in the final chapter of his life managed to visit many countries on his "bucket list". His only disappointments being that he did not make it to Russia and was never able to make the Trans-Canada train ride.
Dennis was a vital man that will be missed for his sense of humour and passion for life.
The family would like to thank Sandringham Care Centre for the incredible care and support they provided. They also wish to thank Dr. Arguash, Dr. Gheis, Dr. MacMillan and Dr. Biglow.
A Celebration of Life will be held at McCall Bros. Floral Chapel, Vancouver & Johnson Streets, on Sunday January 29, 2012 at 1:00 pm. A reception will follow in McCall’s Family Centre.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Brain Research Centre, 2211 Westbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, or at www.brain.ubc.ca. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.