SEPTEMBER 29, 1954 – AUGUST 18, 2024
Denise Fraser of Claresholm Alberta passed away at the Claresholm General Hospital surrounded by family & friends after a courageous battle with cancer, at the age of 69 years young. Denise was born in Weyburn Saskatchewan on September 29, 1954, the second child born to Jim & Hedy Olson.
In 1958 the family moved to High River Alberta, a community that Denise would call home for much of her life. Through Denise’s early years she took dance lessons from Mrs Wong, was a proud member of the High River Otters swim club, participated in cheerleading & worked for Mrs Moxin serving meals at functions at the Highwood Memorial Centre. After graduating from Senator Riley high school Denise worked at AGT (Telus), had an office job at an accounting firm in Calgary, as well she worked at the High River Health Unit. In the late 1970’s Denise joined her father and brother ‘Butch’ at Olson Silver & Leather Co. where she had a long & successful career until her retirement from the company in 2004. During her career of 28 years she established many loyal friends, providing excellent service & support to individual customers, corporations & celebrities.
On March 31, 1983 Denise married her soul mate Dave Fraser starting a wonderful 41 years of marriage that saw her become more involved in ranching as well as a variety of equestrian events. This found Denise participating in Team Penning & Reined Cowhorse events all across Western Canada and the USA. Denise worked hard at improving her skills and was well rewarded for her work ethics, winning her share of titles, but the friendships made was her true reward. Denise was a very keen member of Dave’s very successful Team Roping & Team Penning events. Whether announcing, timing, taking entries or balancing the books, Denise’s skills kept events running smoothly.
Denise put together a band of cowhorse broodmares, including an AQHA world champion Cow Horse mare. Denise enjoyed the babies, loved naming them at registration time, and was so proud of the offspring that kick started several young trainer’s careers in Western Canada.
Dave & Denise spent several winters with their horses in Arizona, living in a living quarters trailer. Their home away from home was purchased in Arizona City , Arizona in 2010, with Denise’s focus changing to golf courses and hiking & biking trails. This home allowed many a friend an opportunity to visit, be it for a day, a week, or a month. Denise was probably at her ‘happiest’ in Arizona and all thru her health struggles Arizona was the incentive to keep battling.
Denise could not stand retirement so went to work at Frontier Western shop, where she became fast friends with many of the staff, and proved to be a valuable employee.
Throughout the years Denise had travel mates that enjoyed holidaying, with one or two adventures yearly. From Hawaii to Scotland, Alaska to Mexico, Canada’s west coast to east coast, or most recently a trip back to Saskatchewan to her grandfather’s original homestead. Can anyone believe that Denise & a travel mate attended the Pendleton Let’Er Buck Roundup, without Dave, LOL.
Of late, Denise took up sewing & quilting and with her attention to detail made many beautiful pieces for family & friends such as quilts, baby gifts, golf accessories, tote bags, purses and many other items too numerous to mention.
Denise was an avid Toronto Blue Jays fan & had several caps, jerseys & memorabilia.
Denise will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her husband of 41 years, Dave; her brother Rod (Margaret) Olson; as well as several brother & sister in-laws, nieces & nephews, aunts & uncles, cousins and their families; and her precious “Adopted Sisters”.
Denise was predeceased by her parents Jim (2000) & Hedy (1997) Olson.
If desired memorial donations in memory of Denise may be made to Claresholm & District Health Foundation, www.cdhealth.ca High River District Health Care Foundation – specifically the Cancer Clinic fund
Sincere and heartfelt thank you to the Foothills Hospital & Tom Baker Cancer Centre Staff (Dr Pamela Chu) ; High River Cancer Clinic (Dr Adam Vyse & Staff) ; Claresholm General Hospital (Dr Jeff Jones & Dr James Welke) & Staff.
As per Denise’s request, there will be a Private Celebration of Life.
