Charles Frazier Obituary

Charles Frazier died peacefully in his sleep on November 17 after a long, colorful life. He was 86 years old. Born in East Lynn, West Virginia, on June 16, 1929, he came of age in Appalachia in the depths of the Great Depression, reared by grandparents James Harvey Tabor and Clara Merritt Tabor.

He joined the Army/Air Force at age 17, and while stationed in Japan at the end of World War II met Vancouver native Toshiko Ruth Ode. He was the only person who could beat her at Ping-Pong. The challenge was on, and that sealed the deal for a marriage that lasted 62 years. The couple wed in Toronto and moved to Massachusetts, where their children Donna and Gary were born. The family also lived in Hawaii and Great Falls, Mont., before settling in Colorado Springs in 1963.

Chuck Frazier received a bachelor's degree in business administration from Southern Colorado State College and worked in the insurance and real estate businesses after retiring from the service. He later established a home painting and repair business in which he was active into his 80s.

He loved cats, particularly a special feline named Bonnie. He was also devoted to science fiction stories, which he devoured and wrote; big-and sometimes outrageous-ideas; and fickle Lady Luck. He had a generous heart, a big brain and an unconventional spirit, all of which he passed along to the grateful next generations of Fraziers.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Frazier of Colorado Springs; Gary Frazier and wife Becky of Divide; Donna Frazier Glynn and husband David Glynn of Los Angeles; grandsons Michael Frazier, of Anaheim, Calif; Jeff Frazier of London; and Jon Frazier of Provo, Utah, and four great-grandchildren, Maxwell, Jonathan Fox, Lucy and Finn.

His mother, Gladys Tabor Mullens, of Olive Hill Kentucky and Colorado Springs, preceded him in death.

In lieu of flowers, please remember Chuck Frazier by planting something special in your garden come spring, or by taking a wild chance on something good in your life. A gathering to honor him is planned for 2016.