Beloved Woodstock City Councillor Ron Fraser Passes Away

Monday, 5 April 2021 13:49

The flags at Woodstock City hall have been lowered to commemorate the passing of city councillor and former WPS police chief Ron Fraser.

WOODSTOCK - The City of Woodstock is in mourning today after the passing of beloved councillor Ron Fraser.

Fraser passed away on Sunday and was serving his second term as a Woodstock City councillor. He first served in 2010-2014 and then withdrew from the race in 2014 after his first diagnosis with cancer. Fraser ran again in 2018 after being declared cancer free and won his seat. Last year in February he was diagnosed with another cancer, this time in the colon.

Ron Fraser is being remembered as a strong family man who cared deeply about his family and the City of Woodstock. He also served as the Woodstock Chief of Police and retired about 34 years of policing in 2009.

Woodstock Mayor Trevor Birtch says the flags at City Hall have been lowered today in honour of Ron Fraser.

"It will be a loss very deeply felt in the community. He had a long and distinguished career with the Woodstock Police, he served on many committees and boards in the Friendly City and had served on council, this was his second term."

Birtch says Fraser had just recently been appointed as the acting mayor for the City of Woodstock.

"I know that many people in the community have been touched by the way he has helped and shaped and inspired others. This will be a loss that will be felt by many and his legacy will carry on for generations to come. We have lowered the flags at City Hall in recognition of his dedication."

Fraser had a tough couple of years prior to his passing, being diagnosed with cancer a second time and losing his beloved wife Elaina Rose Taylor, who was his best friend and wife of 22 years last February.

It's not immediately clear what will happen with Fraser's seat on council. It will be declared empty for now and then the City will have to go over the options available to them to have someone fill that seat.