Dr Grahame John Fraser

A life well lived!

Obituary

With great honour we announce the passing of Grahame John Fraser, who was born on 17th of October 1931 and passed away on 2nd of September 2026 in Hamilton, New Zealand.  Grahame's passing was exactly as we had hoped for him, warm in his bed at home with his beautiful wife Doreen holding his hand to the very last.  We give sincere thanks to all those who helped and supported us all in those final moments.

As a husband, he adored our mother.  As he prepared to depart this life he counselled his children to always remember that "only the best is good enough for your mother".  As a father, he showed us continually how much he loved her..  He delighted in his children and grandchildren, and recognised each for their remarkable and unique talents and abilities.  He raised his children to believe that nothing was impossible or beyond their abilities.  He was patient and kind, loving and caring, and thought very little of his own needs.  Right to the very last, his sense of humour prevailed.  

Grahame touched the lives of many all around the world, and the depth of knowledge which he had and the way in which he shared it openly has left a deep and lasting impression on all who knew him.  He is remembered and honoured by those he taught and worked alongside at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, the University of Cambridge in England, as well as many others around the world.  His passion in the field of physics took him quite literally to the ends of the earth.  His research and experiments in Antarctica, which spanned almost two decades, are still in use today.  He spent much time in England, the United States and Malaysia. 

The passing of a most beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and colleague, is a sad time in all of our lives. While we will miss him greatly, we give tribute to a life well lived.  Grahame's passing has filled us with sadness, but how can our hearts be broken when they are filled with such memories as the ones we are left with!

Grahame's final wishes were for a simple cremation, followed by the interment of his ashes beside his mother and father in Christchurch, New Zealand.  A simple service will be held at 10:00am on 17th of October, 2026 at the Canterbury Memorial Gardens, 455 Linwood Avenue, Bromley, Christchurch 8062.  The service will be followed by a simple morning tea.  All are welcome.

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Doreen May Fraser (nee MacKenzie)

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Doreen May Fraser (nee MacKenzie)

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Dr Grahame John Fraser

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