David Wayne Dutton-Fraser
David
“Maybe it meant something. Maybe not, in the long run, but no explanation, no mix of words or music or memories can touch that sense of knowing that you were there and alive in that corner of time and the world.” -Hunter S. Thompson.
David Wayne Dutton-Fraser, born in Edmonton on April 11th, 1964, passed away on September 30, 2021.
Among his many gifts, he was known for his quick wit, sharp intellect and for his love of knowledge in all its forms: philosophical, religious or just about anything he could debate or share with another person.
He was an exemplary and prolific writer with a flair for language and the ability to write his observations in sometimes painful but often achingly perceptive prose.
A self-described "wizard," he had a mentalist’s ability to understand people who came to him for his Tarot card readings. He was also known in the Dungeons and Dragons community as a creative and talented games master and was an influence on at least one of his nephews. He was one of the earliest members of the Society of Creative Anachronists. In the 80s and 90s he was a fixture at many of the local rock and punk music venues in Edmonton.
He was a kind and generous man who loved his family—especially his beloved mother and his nephews who called him "cool Uncle David" and "Uncle Batman": the latter a title in which he took great pride as someone who wanted to be a superhero to the downtrodden and disenfranchised: As his brother called him, a "Knight in Rusty Armor".
David battled mental health issues and addiction for most of his life. In the end, addiction beckoned to him on a day he was about to move on and when he had a future all planned out for himself.
He is lovingly remembered by his mother Ruth Bertelsen; his sisters, Tanice Fraser and Kathryn Fraser and his brother, Randall Fraser; his nephews, Alexandre Delifer and Julien Delifer and Tane Fraser. He is also mourned by his extended family and many friends. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Hope Mission, the Mustard Seed, or the Bissell Centre or any other addiction/mental health organization.
There will be a private wake for family and invited friends at “A Boutique Gallery Bar by Gracie Jane” in St. Albert.
My love and deepest condolences to you all, but particularly to you, Ruth, and Kathy. I remember David’s beauty well—a beautiful mind and heart—, and I am so very sorry for your loss.
With love to the whole family,
Elana Scraba
Victoria
Dear Elana,
Thank you for sharing your lovely memories of our dear David. He was one of a kind and we will miss him so much. When he loved you, he loved you forever and we will love him forever.
Please accept my deep and sincere condolences on Dave’s passing.
Dave was a very old friend. I have so many fond memories of time spent with Dave during our youth.
Dave was a formidable intellect. I will miss his unique perspective. I will miss his writing shared by email. I miss him.
I am sorry for you loss. Again, please accept my condolences.
Dear Greg,
Thank you for sharing your memories of David with us, We, too will miss him and his unique ideas but mostly we will miss his loyalty and love for his family and friends. And I will miss his writing and his pleasure when someone expressed approval of his work.
Stay well, Greg.
Ruth (David’s Mom)
0ur deepest condolences to Davids family. We loved him dearly and he is and will always be a big part of our happy memories in Edmonton. He was a kind gentle child and man who was always generous with his love & loyalty to family and friends and he was fearless in his belief for social justice. Have a good journey home dear David,I am certain your granny will be there waiting for you. Aunty Maria and family
Dear Maria and Family,
Thank you for sharing your loving memories of our David. He loved all of you and never stopped thinking of all of you as part of his family. Thank you for remembering his belief in social justice. He was steadfast and brave and remained so throughout his lifetime.
Love,Ruth and family.
So sorry to hear of David’s death Ruth!
I will miss running into him around Edmonton and his writings on Linked.
May he have peace now.
Condolences from Sylvia Krogh
Terribly sorry to here this. I was thinking of David today and decided to do a search. Dismayed to find this news. I remember those many years ago in my youth, David always a charismatic focal point of the group. It’s a shame that some gifts come with curses and sometimes the balance cannot be maintained. May our good memories of him keep him alive and bring us comfort.