| Notes |
- Johnston Magill ("Jack") Fraser's "Spring Farm" was across the road from his father's farm "Illehee".
J.M. Fraser was known as "Jack" Fraser. Obituary in "The Daily Times" of Brampton, Ontario, Dec. 27, 1979:
FORMER CNE PRESIDENT DIES HERE AT AGE 75
Services were held today for one of Canada's top agriculturalists, known to many as "Mr. CNE". J.M. (Jack) Fraser died of cancer in Peel Memorial after a lengthy illness. He was 75.
Mr. Fraser was a top cattle breeder, held many positions in agricultural and community organizations, served in local politics and earned scores of honours.
He sat on the executive board of the Canadian National Exhibition for several years, and was CNE presiident in 1963 and 1964.
"Being named president of the CNE," he once said, "was the greatest honour I have ever had."
Another significant honour was achieved in November 1975 when he was named to the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame. He also received a master breeder shield from the Holstein-Friesian Association of Canada, which he served as president in 1948 and 1949.
Born in Streetsville, he was the third generation of Frasers to farm in this area. After attending Churchville public school and Brampton high school, he purchased Spring Farm on Mississauga Road in 1928 at age 23, and through the years bred many renowned animals.
"Wherever you find Canadian Holsteins the world over, you will find pedigrees or cattle tracing back to Spring Farm," the Ontario Agricultural College said in 1974 when it awarded Mr. Fraser an OAC Centennial medal.
Mr. Fraser gained worldwide recognition as a judge at Holstein-Friesian shows, and judged competitions on four continents in countries like Mexico, Australia, England and Argentina.
"The Holstein," he said in 1975, "is the best breed in the world. I have been all over the world, and Canada has the best."
For at least 30 years, his herd was used extensively for the training of dairy cattle judging teams and for the teaching of agricultural students in general.
His herd won more premier breeder and exhibitor awards at the CNE than any other herd. In 1951 he won the premier breeder shield at the International Dairy Exposition in the U.S., despite entering only six head of cattle.
Among other awards were a plaque from the Agricultural Institute of Canada, the first given to a non-graduate of an agricultural college; a plaque for achievement in agriculture from former Ontario premier Leslie Frost; and an award from the International Association of Fairs and Expositions.
He served as an executive and member of the board of directors of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, was president of the Brampton Fair Board, and was Peel's farmer of the year in 1977.
Mr. Fraser served on the former Chingacousy Township council for 12 years, including terms as reeve in 1946 and warden of Peel County in 1948. He also served on the board pf education and the Peel Memorial Hospital board, and was a director of the Halton and Peel Trust Company.
In addition he was president of the Peel Seed Growers' Cooperative, the Ontario Cattle Breeders, the Peel County Holstein-Friesian Club, and the Brampton curling club, where he received an honorary lifetime membership.
Mr. Fraser is survived by his wife, the former Bessie Steacy; sons Jack and James, both of Brampton, and daughters Betty June (Mrs. R.J. Stewart) of Bolton and Mary Lou (Mrs. J.H. Leach) of Kingsville. All four children are graduates of the Ontario Agricultural College.
He is also survived by brother Wils of Brampton, and sisters Kate (Mrs. Norman Laidlaw) of Norval and Mary (Mrs. James Steen) of Mississauga, as well as 12 grandchildren.
Services were to be held today at 2 P.M. at Huttonville United Church, with burial in Brampton Cemetery.
|
1904 - 1979 (75 years)