THE ADVOCATE 439
VOL. 78 PART 3 MAY 2020
was always focused on ensuring we got the best of ourselves and each
other. I will miss him.
Former premier Christy Clark posted on Twitter: “Paul Fraser was one
of the finest men I’ve met. He had character—the old-fashioned kind that
included a courtesy and respect for others that we see so little of in public
life these days. He also WAS a character—he knew a million stories to illustrate
a point that would leave you crying with laughter. Those of us who
worked with him will cherish those memories.”
Paul’s great professional and personal honour was to serve our democracy.
He was fierce about fairness. He believed that only in a just society,
or one striving to become one, can there be a path for people without privilege.
He was a devout believer in this wonderful experiment called Canada.
The law, for him, was an instrument for justice and respect.
But Paul’s compassion and devotion to others far transcended his work.
He mentored. He listened. He showed up, in good times and bad. He never
judged. And he never wavered. He made us want to be better. He was the
most dependable friend and colleague to many, the best dad to his five children
and a devoted grandad to his five grandchildren. Paul was the guy at
every practice, every recital, every game, every time it mattered. He was
the dad whom all his children’s friends adored and wanted to hang out with.
Paul was blessed to have a legion of good friends and colleagues, and nothing
pleased him more than to connect with those dear to him by sharing in
good food and wine, and fellowship. He was a beloved confidant, counsellor,
companion and sometimes co-conspirator.
Paul tried to make a difference in his life for those less fortunate. He
made everyone feel special and that they mattered. His generosity of spirit,
his moral compass and his understanding of the human condition are his
legacy. Paul will remain an example for those of us who had the great pleasure
of knowing and loving him.
Sometimes in life we get the things we hope for, and sometimes we don’t.
Things like cancer can hijack the best laid plans. In the final days of Paul’s
life he reminded his family that hope is never lost; it is just redefined. He
hoped for no pain, for dignity and for peace. He achieved this. He hoped his
children and grandchildren would continue to succeed, to be strong and to
live their lives fully. He hoped that his friends would live their best lives,
take the chance, go on the adventure, eat the cake and buy the shoes. “Don’t
wait, live now” was his motto.
Paul is survived by his wife Robin and their two daughters, Jacqueline
and Genevieve, as well as by his first wife, Georgene, and their three children:
Cathy (husband Bruce and daughter Georgia); John Paul (wife Maia