Fraser, Fredrick “Fred” McKenzie – Age 98, of Dartmouth. It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of our father, Fred, on December 9th, 2025 after a short stay in Opal Ridge Hall Enhanced Care.
Born in Higginsville, he was the son of the late Bryson and Vera (Stevenson) Fraser.
Dad grew up on the family farm in Higginsville where he developed a love and appreciation of the outdoors which stayed with him all his life. After working in logging camps in NS and BC, he went on to attend the Agricultural College in Truro. In 1949 he met our mom, Elva, and settled in Dartmouth where they built the family home of the past 70 years. At that time dad also embarked on a wonderful 35-year career with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, starting as a draftsman, obtaining his Accredited Appraiser (AACI) designation in 1966 and retiring in 1985 as Chief Appraiser, Atlantic Region. Dad would jokingly say that including retirement he was on the company payroll for 76 years.
Dad was a self-taught handyman, truly gifted in many trades, and could fix or build just about anything. From designing and building our family home, repairing automobiles, or master woodworking, he was the family’s go to for all things mechanical or building related. In his retirement years he enjoyed a great deal of time in the woods and trails on his ATV exploring the area where he grew up. He was a devoted dog lover and looked forward to all family pet visits. Well into his mid 90’s he developed a keen interest in building the most complicated Lego models.
Most importantly, Dad built a life on a foundation of good, honest intentions and a profound love for his family. He was a beloved husband of Elva for 70 years, a loving father and a treasured grandfather and great grandfather, roles which he embraced wholeheartedly. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren will forever cherish the memories of his smile, his generosity, his nod of approval conveying respect and love, or his multiple hand slap hellos and goodbyes. He and mom were the heart of the family and will be greatly missed.
Fred was predeceased by his wife of 70 years, Elva (Glawson). He is survived by his children, Debbie (Stephen) and Terry (Corinne), both of Dartmouth. He leaves behind cherished grandchildren, Chris (Laurielle), Leah, Ellen (Jordan) and Ryan (Grace); and great-grandchildren, Jaxyn, Brooke, Jayce and Luke. Dad was also blessed to have had a close relationship with several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sisters, Dorothy Glawson, Marion Williams and Bernice (Byron) Taylor; and brother, Francis “Mike” (Donna); as well as sister in-laws, Jean and Carol. He was predeceased by brothers, Edson, Richard “Dick”, Allen; and sister, Julia Sullivan.
The family would like to extend their profound thanks and appreciation to all the wonderful health professionals and caregivers for their exceptional care of Dad. Special thanks to his long-time family physician, Dr. Robert Oliver, Dr. Rendon, caregivers and nurses at Opal Ridge Hall (Maynard) and caregivers at Bayshore Home Care.
A family interment will be held in the spring at Higginsville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be welcome to Hope for Wildlife or any charity of your choice.
Arrangements are entrusted to Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.
“Love is the greatest gift one generation can leave another” - Richard Garnett
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