"All
Northern New York mourns the death of Rev. William Fraser, who
expired
Saturday morning, after nearly a score of years of faithful and
effective
pastoral work at Champlain. He is thus widely mourned because
his labor and interest were not confined to the narrow precincts of
his own parish, but extended throughout this entire Presbytery of
which he had been moderator and to which he had given his best
endeavors
these many years.
Mr.
Fraser was loved, not only for his consistent example and devout
piety, but also for sturdy manhood and the distinctly human qualities
which
were a blend of sympathy between him and his fellows. He enjoyed all
the virtuous pleasures of average man and was not separated from
them,
and his influence over them was natural, healthful and uplifting. All
will remember his expert marksmanship at the traps of the Northern
New York Gun Club and how often he led his local team to victory. He
was recognized as the best shot in all section and took great delight
in hunting ducks on the St. Lawrence as well as in shattering clay
pigeon at the traps. Fond of all outdoor sports and amusement he
possessed
also the qualities of a student and was a preacher and religious
leader
of power and effectiveness.
Deceased
was born at Fraser's Point, where he ever afterward spent his
summer vacations. He was educated at McGill University and Princeton
Theological
Seminary and was first stationed as pastor at Granville and Salem in
Washington County. He was later located at Champlain where the
remainder of his days were spent as a worker in the vineyard of the
Master. He was a natural leader and stood four square to the
shifting
winds of prosperity and adversity, a stalwart pillar in the religious
and civic life of this North Country. He will be deeply missed
wherever he was known, and sorrow hangs heavily over the home where
he was the ideal husband and father.
For
a number of months, Mr. Eraser's health had been rapidly failing and
specialist in Montreal had recently informed him that he was
suffering
from cancer of the stomach and that a difficult operation was his
only
hope. He was all ready to return to the hospital when stricken with
pneumonia, which with complications his physical condition was not
strong
enough to survive. His age was 52 years."
-
Obituary from the Malone
Farmer.
