Hugh truly lived Rotary’s slogan of ‘service above self’

Hugh truly lived Rotary’s slogan of ‘service above self’

Retha Fitchat
VANDERBIJLPARK. – The family and wide circle of friends of well-known Rotarian Hugh Fraser (88) bid him a final, sad farewell after his passing earlier this month.

Hugh passed away suddenly on May 3 after experiencing severe chest pains.

He was a well-known and much appreciated member of The Rotary Club Vanderbijlpark since December 1959. He was also a founder member of the Virginia Rotary club in 1957 before he transferred to Vanderbijlpark to manage Cooper Brothers’ Vanderbijlpark branch. In the early sixties Hugh started his own auditing practice in Vanderbijlpark and served as President of the Transvaal Society of Chartered Accountants in 1984/85.

“Hugh was possibly one of the longest serving Rotary members in South Africa with over 60 years of service,” says a long-time Rotary friend, Petro Bester.

During this period he occupied various portfolios in the Rotary Club of Vanderbijlpark’s board, including that of Club President. He was a multiple Paul Harris Fellow recipient as well.

Hugh has for many years published his Rotary Club’s monthly magazine, The Ingot, for which he received the Rotary District 9400 Award for best newsletter in the district.

“Hugh had a vast knowledge of Rotary which he shared with club members regularly. His

wife Beryl and son Michael also joined as members of the club many years ago thanks to Hugh’s ‘service above self’ life style and example,” says Petro.

Ethical hunting and conservation formed a great part of his life. He was involved in founding

the local branch of the SA Hunters & Game Conservation and Association of the Vaal. He served as

committee member for many years, including a few years as Branch Chairman.

“His passing leaves behind a large void in the community of Vanderbijlpark. Our sympathy goes to Beryl, their children and grand children with their sad loss,” says Petro.