John 'Jack' Forbes Fraser, Jr., 84

Raconteur extraordinaire - lover of knowledge, storytelling, laughter and a good audience.

John "Jack" Forbes Fraser, Jr., son of John Forbes Fraser, Sr. and Gertrude Rackow Fraser, was born on June 5, 1929, in Oak Park, Ill. On Monday, June 2, the saying Jack most frequently quoted became his reality - "Live each day as if it were your last, and one day you'll be right." He parted this world in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, surrounded by his loving family, just three days prior to his 85th birthday.

In Oak Park, Jack, his sister Jane and brother Gale, grew up in a household where education and athleticism were encouraged. His mother and his father, a talented builder and Scottish immigrant, worked hard to provide their children with opportunities to develop their interests and talents. At Oak Park River Forest High School, Jack's enthusiasm for philosophy, literature and poetry resulted in academic honors; his fleet-footed prowess on the football and track fields produced "All-State" recognition in athletics.

After high school, Jack attended Harvard College where meeting students from around the globe transformed his perspective and fueled his desire to avail himself of new experiences. He had fond memories of his time on Harvard's rowing crew and as a celebrated boxer. Upon graduating in 1951, Jack enlisted in the Marine Corps and trained in Parris Island, S.C. Although proud of his Marine Corps service, his military stint was cut short after suffering a serious injury in training. With great sadness, he told of how only a few men from his platoon survived the Korean War.

After the Marines, Jack traveled extensively throughout Europe and then returned to the Chicago area where he met and courted Annette "Nocky" Johnson, a young fashion designer. They married in 1953 and had six children together. Although Jack and Nocky divorced in 1975, they remained friendly for more than six decades.

From the beginning, Jack's professional pursuits and personal life were influenced by his active mind, risk-taking nature, and adventurous spirit. His endeavors included the introduction of the Frisbee at the 1964/65 N.Y. World's Fair, advertising, product design, promotion, real estate development, and poker-playing, to name a few! Some of his work resulted in extended stays in places like New York City, Europe and Central America. Through both success and adversity, Jack had a knack for maintaining a positive attitude and delighting in the people he encountered. His charismatic personality complimented his penchant for nightlife. There were more than a few establishments where Jack regularly "held court" and his presence attracted a regular following to hear his stories and jokes.

Jack left his familiar urban environment behind and moved to Spirit Lake, Idaho, to lead a simpler life closer to his oldest children and grandchildren. Living in a small town in the Northwest provided Jack with an opportunity to read, think, write and visit Jo's Hole Saloon, a little place where he loved to drink beer and enjoy the camaraderie of friends. Spirit Lake suited him and he became recognized as one of the town's more colorful characters, even being featured in a lengthy article in the Spokesman-Review newspaper in 2002.

In 2011, Jack published a book intended for his children and grandchildren entitled, "Thoughts: Occurrences that Interrupted a Rambling Life." The book provided an opportunity to consolidate his numerous poems, plus insights into his thoughts and philosophy. He felt a great sense of accomplishment to have produced a personal document that provides a lasting account of his humor, creativity, intelligence and passion.

In February, a variety of health complications emerged that resulted in his ultimate decline. At the time of his death, Jack resided at Lacrosse Health Center in Coeur d'Alene where he was receiving hospice care. Three days following his passing on June 5th, his children, grandchildren and local friends gathered at Jo's Hole Saloon in Spirit Lake to celebrate his life. A private family gathering took place on June 6th in Sagle, Idaho.

Jack was preceded in death by his beloved son Andrew "Andy" in 2012. He is survived by five of his six children with his first wife, Annette Fraser-Runnalls: his devoted son John III, of Spirit Lake, Idaho, Douglas (Katherine "Jessee") of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Cameron (Dale Whyte) of Boulder, Colo., Mary of Sagle, Idaho, Alexander (Rochelle) of Bountiful, Utah; son Peter Ross, whom Jack felt fortunate to have in his life; 10 grandchildren - Alexander John, Bailey, Megan, Elizabeth, Scott, Shannon, Jenna, Garrett, Clara and Alexander Fraser (Liddiard); sister Jane (Al) Steuber of Savannah, Ga., brother Gale (Marilyn) Fraser of LaGrange, Ill., and honorary son Robert Griffiths.

In Jack's tongue and cheek humor, he left a "thought" written in his wishes suggesting anyone interested in making a charitable contribution in his name might consider a donation to one of his favorites: Dislzczic Foundation, The Little Sisters of the Poor football team, Foundation for the Very Disturbed, and Foundation for Victims of Downsizing.

He penned a poem in March of 2004 that was a view of his life and philosophy:

No Sad Song for Me

In the days of clover, sunshine, joy;

All the thoughts of age were far away.

I was living life as a carefree boy;

And the sun convened a holiday.

All the cares of life were out of view,

And fair Hebe served me all day long.

The rough roads of life, if any, were few;

I heard never a dirge - only a song.

All the ups and downs were just mill's grist.

With lows there came enlightenment,

While the highs became the rhapsodist.

It was joy - and smells were redolent.

As the clock just ticked and age became real,

And my friendships grew from year to year,

I found Knowledge, and with it a certain feel,

That by patiently waiting Wisdom was near.

When the final blow came, the house fell apart;

All the prizes gone and trophies rust;

It was then the thought occurred to chart

All the things once precious - now just dust.

I found nothing of value lost in the fall -

What was salvaged was far from debris:

It was finding that joy of living was all.

No one needs to sing sad songs for me.

Online tribute at www.belltowerfuneralhome.com.