Emeritus Professor Robin Fraser
Emeritus Professor Robin Fraser
(ONZM, BSc, MB BS(Syd), PhD(ANU), MD(Otago), FRCPA)
On 11 March 2024 Robin, in his 91st year, passed away peacefully, at Ashwood Park Retirement Village, Blenheim. He is survived by the children from his first marriage to Isabel: Elizabeth, Jane, Simon, Sarah, and grandchildren Natalie, Emily, Mackenzie, Olivia, Tom, Piper, and Gemma. He was the dearly loved husband of Linda and father of Kate and Rachel, father-in-law of Gareth and Rupert, grandfather of Fraser, Bertram, Edwyn, Cressy, and Leland. A beloved son of Malcolm and Kathleen, brother to Don and Mary (Dort), brother-in-law, uncle, friend, colleague, and teacher.
Born in Melbourne, Robin graduated in medicine and science, gained his PhD, and spent time at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney and as a country doctor in Coonabarabran. He emigrated to New Zealand and became a foundation staff member of the Christchurch School of Medicine in 1974. He became the head of the Pathology Department and medical director of the Canterbury Medical Research Foundation (CMRF). He was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2006 for services to medical research. His passion and love were for family, research, the liver sieve, and teaching. Robin will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the CMRF would be appreciated:
CMRF https://cmrf.org.nz/take-action/make-a-donation/
Messages can be sent to 48 Magnolia Drive, Springlands, Blenheim, 7201 and www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz
In accordance with the family's wishes, a private family service will be held in Blenheim, with a memorial service in Christchurch at a later date, to be advised.
Service Details
In accordance with the family's wishes, a private family service will be held in Blenheim,
with a memorial service in Christchurch at a later date, to be advised.
From - Amy Hooson (nee Barrowclough)
Robin was a cousin of my father, Roger, through the Gault line, and visited us when I was a child.
My memory is that he was a kind man with a good sense of humour. My father has now also passed, but he would have wanted me to pass on condolences to the family. Thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Dear Linda and Family,
I was very sad to hear of Robin's passing and send my deepest sympathy to you.
I feel lucky to have known Robin as a work colleague for many years, and his enduring enthusiasm for science and research, together with his exceptional support for student endeavour have been, and will continue to be, an inspiration. We will remember this as well as the wonderful human being that he was.
Rest in peace Robin.
From - Margreet Vissers
Dear Linda and family,
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of Robin. He was a wonderful mentor and friend. He loved his research and the term "the liver sieve" will be something that links a generation of medical students who came through Otago.
Robin also loved teaching and will fondly be remembered for that. He was committed to all students and I remember when he did extra sessions for the Malaysian Students for many years.
He also loved his family. I know you will all miss him and my thoughts are with you all at this time.
Hamish Jamieson
