LUBEC – Robert “Bob” “Fraz” Frazier, 72, has raised his landing gear for the last time on his final flight home. He succumbed to long time health issues April 24, 2012, in Bangor. Born June 5, 1939, in Dayton, Ohio, he was the son of Davis and Hazel (Stamper) Frazier.
Robert graduated from Warsaw High School, Warsaw, Ind., in 1957. He then began studies at Purdue University before entering the U.S. Navy through the NAVCAD program, where he served as a light atomic weapons delivery pilot and aircraft carrier pilot flying the A-4 Skyhawk. He ended his Navy tour in 1964 achieving the rank of lieutenant junior grade. In 1965, he began his career as a pilot with Trans World Airlines, earning the level of captain in 1968. Also in 1965, he married his life long partner, Barbara Vanderbil, in Kansas City, Mo. While in Missouri, he served as mayor of Platte Woods and was elected as co-pilot representative to Air Line Pilot Association. His career with TWA culminated in 1999 when he retired with 34 years of service. The Fraziers settled in Temple, N.H., in 1975. Here Robert served for 29 years as a volunteer firefighter, assistant fire chief and forest fire warden. He was also elected as town selectman, serving nine years including a term as chairman of the board. He also played tuba for Temple Town Band, America’s first hometown band. In 2004, Robert retired to Lubec. Robert enjoyed serving as a volunteer with West Quoddy Head Light Keepers Association. He was an enthusiastic joiner and was a member of the American Legion Post No. 1, Paris, France; and a charter member of Red Knights International Firefighters Motorcycle Club, Inc., Kentucky Colonels and Bethel Souhegan Lodge No. 24 Masons. His interests included model plane and train building, coin collecting, world history and the plight of homeless pets. He was also a philatelist and a military miniaturist.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Barbara; son, Brett; daughter, Erin; as well as three grandsons, Jacob, Caleb and Lucas. He leaves a huge void in their lives.
Those who wish to remember Robert in a special way can make gifts in his memory to Save Our Strays, 67 Water St., P.O. Box 336, Lubec, ME 04652; or Downeast EMS Lubec Base, P.O. Box 552, Calais, ME 04619.