Donald Joseph Fraser, 84

Donald Joseph Fraser left this world on June 30, 2022, after a battle with cancer.

Don was born in Butte, Montana on August 1, 1937, to Donald Fraser and Isabel (Kujawa) Fraser. At age 4, his family moved him and his sister Denise to Deer Lodge, where they welcomed Jack, Mary, Gerradette and Eddie.

After graduating from Powell County High School, Don enlisted in the army. He spent most of his tour in Germany, visiting 12 European countries. He enjoyed his time in the army and spoke of it affectionately.

When Don returned to civilian life, he ran into his high school classmate, Vickie Sierra (Vick). They soon began dating and were wed in 1959.

In Helena, Don worked for an insurance company and Vickie was a Registered Nurse when they welcomed their first child, Bret, in July of 1960. Soon after, the family moved to Bozeman, where he enrolled at Montana State University. Vickie continuing work as a nurse, while Don went to school. During that time, they welcomed two more children, Janine and Scott.

After graduating in three years with honors, Don accepted a position with AT&T in Helena, where they welcomed their fourth child April. In 1967, Don accepted a position with RCA in Sparta, Wisconsin, where their fifth child, Darci was born.

In 1967, he was offered a position as Senior Budget Analyst in Palo Alto, so the family made the move west to California. They enjoyed the sunshine, and summer adventures in the family station wagon.

In 1969, Don accepted a transfer to work as a Budget Manager at RCA in Anchorage. Alaska. The family spent the summers swimming in the nearby lake, fishing, camping in the family VW van, and enjoying the long summer days. The family also kept busy with the boys playing baseball and hockey, and the girls in girl scouts, softball and ballet. Don spent the winters growing his famous handlebar mustache and beard, for which he won several awards at the Anchorage Fur Rendezvous.

In 1976, Don and Vicki were divorced. Don stayed in Anchorage, while Vickie and the kids moved to Cd’A to be closer to family.

In 1984, Don married Priscilla Santistevan, and they made their home in Anchorage. In 1990, Don took an early retirement and they moved to Trinidad, Colorado. They divorced in 1998, and Don moved to Cd’A to be closer to family.

Don spent his time puttering in his garage, working on projects for his grandchildren, driving his Mustang, and traveling to Montana and Nevada. He loved his siblings and enjoyed watching his nieces and nephews grow up. He also enjoyed a sip of Clan Fraser whiskey now and then.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Isabel, his sister Denise and brother Jack. He is survived by his children - Bret (Kristin), Janine (Greg), Scott (Cari), April (Patrick) and Darci (Kim), and grandchildren Alyssa, Torin, Sarah, Katie, Brady, Joey, Oliver, Andrew, and Nolan. Don was also fortunate to have many wonderful neighbors, including J.B. and Patty Romero who were a blessing.

In the final months of Don’s life, his cancer was a struggle, but Don was cheerful, and thankful for the little things — the innocence of a fawn born in his backyard or the simple beauty of flowers. Our family is very thankful for this time with our father, left nothing unsaid, and will miss him dearly. A celebration of life will be held at Don’s home at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022. All are welcome to join in the celebration.