Robert Raymond Frazier

Gorham – Robert Raymond Frazier, 69. The son of Mary (Power) Frazier and Raymond Frazier, Robert Raymond Herbert Joseph Frazier was born May 15, 1946. His sister and first sparring partner, Suzanne, was born 4 years later. This self-declared “1st baby boomer” (he was conceived on VE-Day) spent his formative years in Bangor, Maine. He attended John Bapst High School and enjoyed playing hockey and football. After receiving his degree from UMO, he joined the navy and served for 3 years. He then moved to Gorham, Maine where he spent the rest of his life. He “retired” his first wife, Susan Clifford, after 24 years and two daughters, Kelly Frazier Adams and Kristin Frazier. His second wife, Laurie Bem Frazier, brought two children, Greg Bem and Katie Bem, who would become his own, and with the arrival of Kevin Frazier, made his family complete, until the arrival of sons-in-law and grandchildren. He was very proud of his Irish/ Newfie heritage, and delighted in inducting others into those traditions as “honorary Newfies”. From the time that he made his home in Gorham in the early 70’s, he became an active member of his community. He served as an EMT, a Justice of the Peace, a youth coach for soccer and basketball, and on countless boards and committees. He was the founder and 1st president of Gorham Trails, a Land Trust organization which was responsible for maintaining the network of trails in Gorham. Frazier Trail, which starts near GHS, is named in his honor. Involvement in his children’s lives was very important to Robert. He was a vocal coach from the sidelines of games, matches, and meets and even provided the (relatively accurate) play by play for the videos of his daughters’ field hockey games. He enjoyed passing along his knowledge to anyone who was willing to listen. All of his children were encouraged to work alongside him on his various projects, pursuits, and hobbies. He was a demanding father, but would not hesitate to defend them if he felt they were being treated unfairly. Robert loved Maine, often stating that there’s nothing in the world that you can’t find in Maine. He was passionate about being outdoors, loving to camp, hike, and canoe. He traversed most of Maine’s major rivers, especially enjoying the challenge of those which the AMC deemed to be un-navigable. Finding a gift from the river gods, an unopened can of beer floating down river, was the highlight of any trip. One of his favorite places was his hunting camp, where not a lot of hunting was done. He loved scuba diving and would “dive and salvage” any time he had a chance. He was an early believer in physical fitness as a life style. He took up running in the early 80’s, was a Life Line instructor at USM, and ran in or helped organize numerous road races. He competed in both a marathon and a triathlon. He was passionate about world history and he supported local community history and initiatives. He saved both the Wescott School and the original Canal Bank buildings from destruction by moving them to his property. The school was the location of the Gorham Child Development Center, which he ran from 1975 into the mid 80’s as a preschool and after school program. The playground was constructed entirely of recycled materials, including tires, giant spools from electric wire, and telephone poles. Robert was the ultimate Yankee – independent and frugal. He was ahead of the curve as a recycler, never throwing away anything which he might possibly be able to use in a future project. He took pride in the fact that no food was ever wasted when he was around, including that which was very “well done” and any and all left overs. He had two master’s degrees, but preferred working outdoors. He had his own general contracting company, doing anything around town which required manual labor and/ or a truck and back hoe. He had definite ideas about what, and how, things should be done and he didn’t let little things like municipal rules or permit requirements get in his way. He prided himself on being full of Blarney, and somehow he almost always got away with it. An accident in 2008 left Robert with a spinal cord injury and other ongoing medical issues. He was still able to “supervise” others, and to let them know how they should be doing things, but he was not able to hold the reins again. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren: Hunter, Caleb, and Megan Adams, and Kendra and Fiona Wilbur. He passed away in his sleep on the morning of February 25, 2016. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (www.mofga.org/SupportMOFGA). The family asks that anyone interested take a walk on a trail of their choice, in his honor.

Robert Raymond Frazier

May 15, 1946 - February 25, 2016

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