Sir Fraser Martell Boyles, 97 of Trenton, Nova Scotia died on November 3, 2022 at the Aberdeen Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
Fraser, a proud Irishman, was born in Hillside, Nova Scotia on December 13, 1924 to the late Rupert and Mae Boyles.
Fraser was a veteran of WWII, he served with the Canadian Army in England, Scotland, France, the Netherlands and Germany with the Corps of RCEME. The Government of France appointed him a Knight in the Legion of Honour for his involvement in the liberation of France. Fraser was part of the D-Day invasion and the liberation of the Netherlands.
Fraser returned to Trenton after the war and became a successful barber. He loved when people would stop and tell him, "You gave me my first haircut". He also worked at Trenton Works for a total of 33 years.
At the age of 50, he met and married the love of his life, a widow with 10 children, Eva Nichols. A venture that he, nor us, not for one minute, ever regretted.
Fraser was a strong and thoughtful person. To be in his company was to be at ease. He was proud of his accomplishments while remaining extremely humble. He was genuinely surprised when strangers would take the time to hold the door for him, pick up his cane or thank him for his military service. He was graciously and often referred to as "one of the nicest men I have ever met".
Papa had a real knack for storytelling. He was happiest when his home was full of friends and family enjoying a friendly game of crib, as long as they didn’t bring cheese with them. Fraser was also a devoted fan of the Toronto Blue Jays.
Fraser endured so much and never complained, he rarely asked for help. He preferred to be the one to lift up those around him, always with his quick wit and man, did he love to tease. Through the trauma of war, Eva’s long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease and his medical issues later in life, he never stopped fighting for what he believed in.
We will miss his warm heart and his gentle nature.
Fraser is survived by his ten children, Ron MacDonnell (Bev), Theresa Doyle (Tom), Cecilia Stroder (Mike), Robert MacDonnell (Susan), Kevin MacDonnell (Sharon), Sandra DeGruchy (Reg), John MacDonnell, Paul MacDonnell (Georgina), Karen MacDonnell (John), Brian MacDonnell (Gail); his beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife Eva; brothers: Allen, Lawrence, Philip, Frank, Harry, Charles, Clifford, Walter, Benjamin, Freeman, Douglas, Alex; and sisters: Eva Gertridge and Joyce Frazee
Visitation 2-4 pm Sunday, Nov. 6th in R.H. Porter Funeral Home, 73 High St, Trenton. Funeral service 11am Monday, Nov. 7th in the First United Church, Trenton, with Reverend Rosemary Godin officiating, assisted by Fergie MacKay. Burial in Heatherdale Memorial Gardens. Reception to follow at First United Church.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to the local Pictou County Food Bank; and in memory of Fraser, whenever you get the chance, be sure to thank a Vet.
Special thanks to Papa’s caregivers from Careforce, VON, the nurses at the Aberdeen Hospital and to Veterans Affairs Canada who provided a tremendous amount of support over the years.