Obituary of John Fraser White, Victoria Mines;P.E.I

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our husband, son, brother, and brother-in-law, John Fraser White, 65, of Summerside on November 20, 2023 at the Prince County Hospital with his loving wife, Jeanne, at his side.  Fraser, born in Low Point (Victoria Mines), Cape Breton Regional Municipality on May 1, 1958, was the third son, and fifth child, of Robert White and Theresa (Campbell), both life-long residents of Low Point. 

Fraser was born and raised on Cape Breton Island and was always a proud and loyal “Caper”. He attended high school in New Waterford and was a member of the school band (trumpet) and hockey team.  He could be “the life of the party” with a keen sense of humour. His company was enjoyed by all who shared time with him. After school, Fraser joined the Canadian Armed Forces and served for 20 years including overseas deployment in the Persian Gulf War (Operation Friction) onboard the HMCS Protecteur stationed in the  Persian Gulf and in Italy providing support for the United Nations Protection Force in the Balkans. Fraser played a key role ensuring our aircraft were operationally capable and safe for the flight crews. In Canada, he served in Chatham, NB, Greenwood, NS, Shearwater, NS and Cold Lake, AB. While stationed at Cold Lake he relived the wilderness life of a fur trade voyageur in a 15-day, 600 kilometre paddling adventure on the remote Churchill River in Saskatchewan. In 1999 he retired with distinction having obtained the rank of Warrant Officer.

Fraser and Jeanne then built a new home and settled in Low Point where they remained for 22 years. He became a key member of the leadership team with the Isle Royale ATV Club. Fraser also worked for periods of time in Fort McMurray and around Atlantic Canada conducting asphalt quality tests for a consulting engineering firm. And when it snowed, Fraser was always the popular neighbour who plowed out your driveway. He also enjoyed his Harley.

In 2017 Fraser and Jeanne bought a cottage on PEI near Jeanne’s family home in Abram’s Village. Four years later they decided to move permanently from Fraser’s island home to Jeanne’s island home. It was a great decision for all concerned and Fraser was able to pursue an interest in boating while enjoying many good times around the fire pit with the Gallant family.

Fraser is survived by his wife, Jeanne; mother, Theresa, Dartmouth; sisters, Susan Vance (Jim), East Loon Lake Village (NS), Anita White (Ivan), Toronto, and Doreen Friis (Erik), Lawrencetown (HRM); brothers, Morley (Dartmouth), Colin (Low Point), and Robert (Carolyn), Gagetown, NB.  He is also survived by Jeanne’s family (Gallant); David (Donna), Claude (Gloria), Léonce, Gloria, Yvon, Linda Pasternak (Mike), Claire, Norma Roddick (Kevin), Anne, Paul, Raymond, Yvette Winchester (Gary) and #14 Louise (“Loulou”), Charlesbourg, Quebec.  In addition, Fraser is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Fraser was predeceased by his father, Robert White; sister-in-law, Debbie White; father-in-law, Edgar Gallant and mother-in-law, Cecile (Gallant).

Because Fraser’s life was split between PEI and Cape Breton, there will be two separate services.

On Friday, November 24 there will be a public viewing from 6-8 p.m at the Evangeline Funeral Home, Wellington, PEI.  Funeral Mass will be held at Saint-Philippe-et-Saint-Jacques Parish Church at 11 a.m., Saturday, November 25.

Visitation will also be held on Friday, Dec. 8 from 6-8 p.m. with a funeral service on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 11 a.m. all in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home Chapel, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. Burial will be in St. Alphonsus Cemetery, Victoria Mines, with a reception to follow in the funeral home. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or PEI Home Care.

Jeanne and all family members wish to express their sincere gratitude to PEI Home Care and Prince County Hospital for the compassionate and professional support provided to Fraser in recent months.