Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 12PM – “In Memoriam” at Chapel at VC

We remember our brothers…

Jeffrey Bruce Fraser (1964-2016). Robert Theodore Gerein (1964-2017). David Michael Gray (1964-2005). Michael William Green (1964-2019). Matthew Thomas Long (1964-1996). Michael Dominic Torresan (1964-2021). 

 

Jeffrey Bruce Fraser

The world lost one of its true characters with the passing of Jeffrey Bruce Fraser on July 25, 2016 in Vancouver, at the tragically young age of 52. The world also lost a loyal son, brother, true friend, successful business owner and, most of all, a loving father. Jeff was born June 30, 1964 in The Pas, Manitoba and moved to Vancouver with his family at age nine. He is now reunited with his father and friend, Murray, whose passing 30 years ago was a loss from which Jeff never fully recovered. He also joins his beloved Aunt Marie and dog Dylan. Survived by his deeply cherished daughter, Taylor, mother, Germaine, brother, Dan, former spouse, Shauna, a wide circle of friends, colleagues, many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Jeff attended Vancouver College, where he excelled as a lineman with the Fighting Irish football teams throughout high school. After graduating in 1982, he received an athletic scholarship and played with the Richmond Raiders. With a brilliant, creative mind and quick wit, Jeff found success in just about every professional endeavour he pursued, eventually managing some of the top fitness centres in the Vancouver area before launching his own club, Fit City for Women, which grew into Fit City Sports Corporation, that operated four Fit City for Women locations throughout Metro Vancouver. Jeff was a highly intelligent, multi-talented person who could offer intelligent insights in any conversation, compete in any activity, and impart sound advice in the most trying situations life throws at us. On angel’s wings, a heavenly flight, a journey home, towards the light. To those who weep, a life is gone. But in God’s love, ’tis but the dawn. In lieu of flowers, we request donations be made to charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held Thursday, August 18, 2016 at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 1345 West 73rd. Ave. in Vancouver. Condolences may be left at remembering.ca
 

 
 
 
 
Robert Theodore Gerein
 
 
 
 
(Aug 16, 1964 – Sept 20, 2017) With heavy hearts, we report the unexpected, peaceful passing of Rob at Surrey Memorial Hospital. He was predeceased by his father, Alfred Gerein, survived by his mother, Patricia, sister, Charlene, aunt Eve, uncles George and Bruce, his many cousins, and, most of all, his two, lovely daughters, Lillie and Bailea, and their mother, Corrie. Writing and storytelling were Rob’s passions. He was a great listener with a keen sense of humour. Rob enjoyed cooking and sharing his perspectives and trivia, from world events to pop culture. A graduate of Vancouver College (1982) and Langara College Journalism (1990), Rob gained a certificate in entertainment administration at the University of British Columbia and also studied screenwriting at Vancouver Film School. SCTV, Saturday Night Live and Seinfeld inspired much laughter and creativity throughout the years. Rob was a lover of sports, from hockey to football to horse racing. For three decades, he was the commissioner of the Fairview Hockey Pool, which brought together friends from near and far in a congenial atmosphere, united by friendly competition and a love of the game. He recently found an appreciation for sales, and put his vast knowledge of the Lower Mainland to work at Zip Couriers. He also discovered a new enjoyment for life and health, after becoming sober more than a year-and-a-half ago. Rob’s life will be celebrated with a funeral mass, and reception to follow, on Oct. 5 at 11 a.m., at Sacred Heart Church (3900 Arthur Dr., Ladner), and a burial service on Oct. 5 at 2:30 p.m., at Gardens of Gethsemani cemetery (15800 32nd Ave., Surrey). In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favourite charity in Rob’s memory. Condolences for the family may be left in the online tributes section of www.kearneyfs.com
 

 
 
 
 
GREEN, Michael William
 
December 4, 1964 – January 2, 2019
Michael Green of Vancouver passed away on January 2, 2019, here in his home city. He will be deeply missed by his parents Bill and Suzanne, by siblings Joanne Hiebert (Bill), Jim (Vivian), and Dave (Leslie), by his twelve nieces and nephews, and by his loving supporter Cybele Ironside. Throughout his life Mike was known as a brave and caring individual with a memorably unique sense of humour that could lighten even the most difficult times. His piercing intelligence, generosity of spirit and big laugh allowed him to win countless friends and put strangers at ease. These were just a few of the qualities admired by his nieces and nephews, who held him in high regard as a much loved uncle. Mike had a wide ranging love of knowledge that began with his schooling at Vancouver College and Arizona State University and continued throughout his life. His research crossed many categories, among them technology, art, politics and, later, mythology. He had an innate desire to understand the issues of the day, backed by a willingness to challenge conventional opinion with a glint in his eye. All of this made him a crucial team member in business ventures that led to his many happy and rewarding years of work in London and New York City. Music was one of the pursuits closest to his heart. Mike was both a lifelong fan and a gifted, passionate guitarist. Whether listening to a favourite artist or playing with others, the intensity of his focus reflected the connection he sought and valued elsewhere in his life. Music was no pastime to Mike— his bond with it can only be described in terms of deep and sustaining friendship. Although he faced mental health challenges in recent years, Mike readily turned them to the benefit of others who were suffering. He became a certified peer support worker, established his own mental health recovery service, and developed a line of therapeutic products. These were acts of empathy, optimism, and courage, in keeping with his character. Mike will forever have his own place in the hearts of the great many people who loved him. A celebration of life will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Friday, January 25 at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club (Jericho Beach). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CMHA.
 

 

Matthew Thomas Long

LONG, Matthew Thomas, age 32, died suddenly at his home in Kansas on August 6, 1996. Matthew was a graduate of Sacred Heart Elementary School and Vancouver College. He attended the University of Victoria and was currently a student at Johnson College in Kansas. Matthew is survived by his loving family, parents, Peggy and Paul Long, brothers Paul Jr. of Connecticut, Terrence (Ann) in Germany, A.J.(Wendy) of Virginia, sisters Peggy (Ken) of Massachusetts and Mary Gert (Steve) of Tsawwassen,and thirteen adoring nieces and nephews. Prayers for Matthew will be held on Monday evening at 7:30.His funeral will be held Tuesday morning at 10 o’clock, both at Sacred Heart Church. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Sacred Heart School Building Fund would be greatly appreciated. Matt’s Eulogy-8/25/96


 
 
Michael Dominic Torresan
 
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Michael. After a long and brave fight, Michael lost his battle with non-Hogkins lymphoma on March 2. He passed peacefully at Vancouver Hospice with his children and family at his side. Michael is predeceased by his father Remo (Ray) and his brother Matthew, and he is survived by his two daughters, Emma and Nicole, his mother Jane, brother Ray, sister Angela (Jeff), aunts Cathy Gardner and Lena Pastega, and all of their families. Michael was born and raised in Vancouver and graduated from Vancouver College and UBC. He was an exceptional athlete who played for the UBC Thunderbirds and was drafted by the Calgary Stampeders. Known to his friends as “Toro”, he was regarded as one of the top offensive linemen to ever come out of BC. After an unexpected knee injury cut short his athletic career, Michael obtained a Masters Degree in Education and devoted his life to teaching and coaching high school students. A true warrior to the end, Michael fought his disease with courage and dignity. His huge heart and love for his family, especially for his children, will never be forgotten. He will be missed by all those who knew him. A heartfelt thank you to the doctors, nurses, and care aids that helped Michael over the years, especially those at St. Paul’s Hospital and Vancouver Hospice.
 

GRAY _ David Michael. With great sadness we announce the sudden passing of David. Born July 17, 1964, David died November 1, 2005, in Chile, S.A. David was predeceased by his brother little Nelson. He is survived by his loving family, wife, Maritza, children, Tabitha, Brannan, and Hailey, Antofagasta, Chile. In Vancouver he is survived by his loving parents, Nelson and Marilyn Gray, brother, Christopher (Sharon), nephews, Carson, and Nolan, many aunts, uncles and cousins mourn his passing. David had many dear friends in Vancouver, Chile, Ontario and the U.S. who will all miss his cheerful way. A very special thank you to Jeff Toohey, Alan Carter, and everyone at Peregrine Diamonds Ltd. for the help they gave David, and the wonderful support given to the families. Also, another special thanks to Joe Jordon (Antofagasta) for reaching out to help two families who live so far apart. David was a good man who worked hard for his family, at his job in the mining business, that he truly loved. He also really loved his Canucks. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, November 12, 11 A.M. at St. John The Apostle Church, 5457 Trafalgar St., Vancouver. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in David’s name to the Crohn’s Disease and Colitis Foundation of Canada, #Ste. 200, 20181 92A Ave., Langley, B.C. V1M 3A5