Fwd: OBIT: CUNNINGHAM, James "Fraser" descendant of John_ MacLellan,
The Chronicle Herald, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
CUNNINGHAM, James "Fraser"
CUNNINGHAM, James "Fraser" - Hilden and New Glasgow, March 15, 1916 to October 8, 2005. It is with great sadness the family of James Fraser Cunningham announces his peaceful passing on October 8, 2005, in Williams Country Home, Hilden. He was born in Stellarton on the Ides of March during the First Great War, and during a blinding snowstorm, the son of William Henry and Elizabeth Bannerman (MacLellan) Cunningham. Fraser and his wife Helene were both direct descendants of John MacLellan, who arrived in Pictou on the ship Hector in 1773. Fraser credited the MacLellan branch of the family for his love of work, study, worship, craftsmanship and thrift; from the Cunningham side came the sense of humor, the music and the stubbornness. His early years were spent on the family farm in Riverton. In his teens he began raising bees and thus began a lifelong passion. A self-taught musician, he began playing banjo with the Peerless Orchestra at the age of 14. By the 1930s he was playing clarinet and saxophone in popular dance bands such as the George Condon Orchestra and the Peerless Entertainers, as well as with the Pictou County Symphony, and in the 1970s became a member of the New Glasgow Dixieland All-stars. Fraser entertained young and old alike with his Professor Harry Hurley Horn clown routine, and was always in demand as a piano accompanist at party singsongs. His last official musical engagement was at age 76, playing the banjo in the musical "Christie", in Pictou, but he continued to play the piano until September of this year. He served in Halifax with the Canadian Armed Forces from 1942-1946 as an instructor in aircraft recognition. Following the war, he began his studies toward his Chartered Accountant degree, graduating in 1950. Most of his career was spent in New Glasgow, with three years in Moncton, retiring from Proudfoots in New Glasgow in 1981. Fraser was a longtime and enthusiastic member of the Gyro Organization, and was Governor of District VI in 1976. He received the Merit Award, the Honor Key, and in 1993 the International Gyro of the Year Award, the three highest awards from Gyro International. He also researched and wrote a book on the history of the District VI Gyro International. He and Helene made many dear friends throughout their years in Gyros and enjoyed bowlaramas, curling bonspiels and countless happy get-togethers in their company. During retirement his creativity blossomed, and he took up many new pursuits. He became an avid oil and watercolor artist. Each Christmas he delighted family and friends with individually hand painted cards that have become keepsakes for many. He wrote and published over 120 newspaper and magazine articles, many children's stories as well as two books, one of which was "The Glory of Living", his memoirs, a treasured gift for his family. He designed and planted beautiful flower gardens, researched his family tree, enjoyed regular fishing excursions during the summer and weekly skating during the winter. He also learned to cook and became caregiver to several family members over a period of many years. A faithful member of Trinity United Church in New Glasgow, Fraser sang in the church choir for over 20 years, served on the Board of Stewards, was a church elder, a Sunday School teacher and superintendent, and served as church camp treasurer for seven years. His fine example was an inspiration to his children and grandchildren. We will miss his wisdom, humor, generosity and music, and most of all, his love. Helene, his loving wife of 63 years, predeceased Fraser in December 2004. His brother Henry and sisters, Jessie and Louise also predeceased him. He is survived by his children, Judith Dobson (Phillip), Hillsborough, N.B.; Audrey Jordan (Robert), Truro, and Bill (Cheryl), Langley, B.C.; grandchildren, Melody, Susan and Wendy Dobson; Jennifer, Andrew and Darren Jordan; William and Kelly Cunningham and their mother Sharon; seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Bill, Sackville, N.B.; sister, Barbara Leech (Richard), Nepean, Ont., as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A service to celebrate his life will be held in Trinity United Church, New Glasgow on Saturday, October 29, at 1 p.m., followed by a time of music and recollections in the church hall. Family flowers only. Donations in his memory can be made to the North Nova Educational Centre Music Auxiliary, Canadian National Institute for the Blind, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Colchester Community Funeral Home, Truro.
Barb (nee WELLS) Henderson
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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