Remembering Lynn Fraser

In Loving Memory of Lynn Fraser

I am so saddened by the news of Lynn's passing. I didn't know her well or for long, yet she left a lasting impression on me. I took my first AWCS class with her last fall. She had a gentle, optimistic way about her and always laughed at my silly jokes. I felt she saw something in me worth nurturing and so she was my first mentor since choosing to pursue writing. I will miss her. She will be an inspiration to me for years to come.

--Sue McLarty 

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I met Lynn ten years ago when I served on the board at AWCS. That particular year, we were looking for a treasurer to shepherd us into a new era of electronic accounting. For many of us on the board, the task seemed complex and frustrating. But, with a wide smile and without a moment's hesitation, Lynn agreed to take on the job. She told us not to worry: the project was really quite straightforward and we could count on her to take it in hand. In a matter of weeks, she converted the ledger books with confidence, ease and humility. From that moment, I learned that whenever Lynn was involved, anything seemed possible.

At AWCS, people come and go, but Lynn became part of the landscape. Treasurer, office manager, FreeFall editor, writer. Her deep and steady commitment to the place was remarkable. I always looked forward to catching up with Lynn at literary events and basking in her joyous take on life, even when the hills seemed so very steep. I will remember Lynn Fraser as a generous, capable, loyal person. I will never forget her smile.

--Shaun Hunter

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Lynn and I took Introductory Short Story together many years ago which is where we met.  She was always an honest and forthcoming, encouraging person with everyone around her.  She wrote lovely stories and put real thought into her characters.

Her voice will ring through often, especially at those times when we need encouragement for our own writing.

I'd like to convey to her family my personal condolences for their loss. It has truly been an honour to have known her in the time we've had.

--Diana Bliss

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It must have been mid-2004. I was sitting in a workshop or class—I can’t remember which because I took so darned many in those early years with AWCS—where Lynn was also a student. I remember her being very involved in the class and had a lot to say. She wanted to learn and absorb everything she possibly could.

Lynn was passionate. About everything she did.

Lynn had already been on the board of directors for awhile as acting Treasurer. It was nearing the end of the AWCS fiscal year and the board was looking for new members to fill vacant board positions. Near the end of the class, or workshop, Lynn began to plug the AWCS and what a wonderful organization it was and if they couldn’t fill the vacant positions, the organization would cease to exist. The shear idea of this brought Lynn to tears.

That love and dedication for the AWCS is what got me on the board.

In fact, much of what I do now directly relates back to that moment. Lynn is the reason that I am here and continue to be here. I only hope I can be half the person she was.

Our relationship didn’t remain within the walls of AWCS.  Lynn and I became friends. Sharing our writing with each other, drinking and playing pool in her basement, a Thanksgiving dinner shared with her family. I even sat with her husband Neil through a session of his dialysis several years ago. Lynn and Neil were second parents to me, and I could not imagine my life without them being a part of it.

In 2007, as my wedding approached, I went to Lynn and together we created my dress. Not without exhausting other options first though. She trucked me over to her daughter’s house to first try on Sherry’s dress and she was willing to make all the alterations necessary. But it wasn’t what I wanted. It was a beautiful dress, but a little too extravagant for what I envisioned.

We scoured fabric shops for the right material, for the right pattern. Of course Lynn did all the hard work. But our visions meshed. A simple dress for a simple outdoor, country BBQ style wedding.

I am grateful for everything Lynn has done for me and taught me on a professional and personal level. A part of her will forever hang in my closet, never far from my heart.

--Robin van Eck

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It will be hard for me to think of the Alexandra Writers Centre
without Lynn Fraser. I met her many years ago when she was treasurer
of the AWCS board and I was president. I could always count on Lynn
to do a great job and initiate and carry through projects. Since
those days, her passion for writing and the group led her to
contribute in so many ways. I've enjoyed her humour and down-to-earth
sincerity. The AWCS and I will miss Lynn. My thoughts are with her loved ones.


--Susan Calder


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I respected Lynn and felt she was talented and a true star in the writing community.


--Jill Allen