Gilbert Fraser Yard

Gilbert Fraser Yard of Pender Harbour passed away peacefully at 84 years of age on April 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Gil endured a year-long battle with cancer which he fought with incredible determination, grace and positivity: never losing his sense of humour or his zest for life.

Gil, born in Duncan, BC, the eldest of four siblings, spent his formative years in Victoria. The oceanfront along Dallas Road and the expanses of Beacon Hill Park were his childhood playground. His later teenage years were spent in Kelowna (KHS’59) and Trail.

Over the years his interests and hobbies were varied, many involving water: beachcomber, swimmer, lifeguard, clown diver, water skier, scuba diver and instructor, underwater hockey player, fisherman, boater – swimming pool, fresh or salt water, no problem! Others included: pianist, avid reader, TV critic (especially of “cop” shows), marksman, hunter, amateur handyman and mechanic (“jack of all trades, master of none”), and community volunteer.

Gil joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Nelson, BC, on Friday, April 13th, 1961 [Reg. No. 21890]; then travelled by train to Depot Division in Regina, SK where he was one of 32 recruits in “M” Troop ’61. The majority of troopmates successfully completed training in December ’61; they then left Regina in bitterly cold winter conditions for their first postings, Gil’s being Lethbridge Sub-Division. He had short postings in Lethbridge, Waterton Park and Taber before his “marriage transfer” in 1963 to Fort Macleod, where his first home was the Caretaker’s Quarters of “The Fort” Museum of the North West Mounted Police.

Gil served in multiple locations and positions in five provinces: AB, SK, MB, ON and BC. A few of his career highlights include:

· while a Swimming Instructor at Depot Division (1969-1972) was a founding member, trainer, and examiner for the volunteer scuba diving program, which evolved into the national RCMP Underwater Recovery Unit;

· being a member of the Manitoba Police Golf Team that earned a place in the Canadian Police Golf Tournament in Aurora, ON in 1974;

· enrolled as a “mature student” in 1975 in Carleton University; graduated in 1980 with a Master of Arts Degree in Psychology;

· was seconded on a United Nations mission in 1982 to evaluate police training in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania;

· was promoted to the Officer rank of Inspector [O.1371] in 1987; and

· in 1990 was pleased to accept a transfer to RCMP Prince Rupert Sub-Division as Operations Officer. For years Gil had an interest in BC’s northwest, fostered by the many reminiscences of his mother, who lived there as a girl from 4 to 13 years of age; his grandmother, who was active in the theatre, music, church and social groups; and his grandfather, who was the Inspector of Schools covering a similar geographic area, including the Queen Charlotte Islands, during the 1920s. Being the third generation of the Fraser family to experience this vast and beautiful area was very meaningful to Gil. And, of course, the fishing was outstanding!

After 37 years in the RCMP, Gil retired on Friday, April 13th, 1998, as Superintendent in charge of the North Vancouver Detachment. His lifelong dream of returning to live near the ocean was soon fulfilled: 10 years in Garden Bay followed by 14 years in Madeira Park. He loved everything about the ocean, and it was often joked that “saltwater ran in his veins.”

In retirement Gil was a community volunteer and for many years served on the Boards of the Pender Harbour Aquatic Society and Pender Harbour Seniors Housing. He felt privileged to enjoy several other experiences:

· in 2003 travelled twice to Guangzhou, China, to explore security options for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing;

· in 2006 assisted with relief work in Gulfport, MS following Hurricane Katrina; and

· in 2011 organized a 50-year “M” Troop reunion at Depot Division in Regina for troopmates and spouses. More reunions followed in Halifax, Toronto and Victoria. He always appreciated keeping in touch with his fellow troopmates and associates.

Gil lived a full life and was respected by his family, friends, colleagues and community, both in his working career and volunteer efforts. His legacy will live on in the lives of those he touched and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. At his request, a family celebration of life will be held at a future date.

Gil is survived by Louise, his wife of 61 years, three children and six grandchildren:

· son Les (Tammy); granddaughters Michaela (Rory) and Morgan (Mack);

· son Mike (Glady’s); granddaughter Ruby-Chanel (James), grandsons Keith (Alex) and Alec (Clara);

· daughter Tracy (Barry); granddaughter Chelsea (Luke).

Gil is also survived by brother Rob (Kathryn), sister Linda (Bob) and their families, the family of brother Paul (Dianne), and extended family members.

Gil was predeceased by his first-born son Keith in 1966, father Gilbert (aka “Buster”) in 1986, mother Dorothy (nee Fraser) in 2004 and brother Paul in 2024.

The family expresses their sincere appreciation to Dr. Simon Reznick, the medical staff at both Sechelt and Lions Gate Hospitals, the pharmacists at Marina Pharmacy and the Pender Harbour Health Centre support team.

Donations can be made in Gil’s memory to the Sechelt Hospital Foundation or a charity of one’s choice.

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