A retired RCMP officer was identified as the man killed by a falling tree on a golf course in West Ottawa last Saturday when a deadly dere storm hit the region.
Ian Fraser was at the Canadian Golf and Country Club near Highway 7 and Dwyer Hill Road when he was killed. He was 60 years old.
On Sunday, Ottawa police said they were investigating the death of a man who was hit by a tree at 7800 Golf Club Way.
At least 10 others were killed on May 21 as a storm swept through Ontario and Quebec, and another was killed the next day by a falling tree branch.
According to an obituary from a Charlottetown funeral home, Fraser was originally from Prince Edward Island. He died of his parents and was “remembered with love” by his brother Wayne, according to the obituary.
Friends and former colleagues shared dozens of messages of condolences, remembering Fraser as a friendly man who is passionate about golf and keeps fit.
The obituary states that he worked with the RCMP and had a career with “diverse” experience and positions.
The RCMP confirmed that Fraser was a retired member and worked as an analyst in Ottawa.
“Our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers go to Ian’s family, friends and colleagues for the sad news of his death,” the forces said in a statement.
He describes Fraser as a “valuable employee” who will be “very much missed.”
“You don’t know if you’ll be here tomorrow”
According to the RCMP Veterans Association, Fraser joined the force in 1990 and served in the PEI and Ontario, including the Ottawa National Headquarters, before retiring in 2013. He returned as a civilian analyst five years later.
Glenn Sigersma, chief administrative officer of the veterans’ group, said Fraser’s return showed he was attracted to serve his country.
Sigersma shared his sympathies with Fraser’s family and friends, calling it a “sad day for many.” He also noted that he and Fraser were the same age and said he was struck by the fact.
“At 60, you still see yourself as committed and you want to help as much as you can,” he said.
“It gives you a break and allows you to decide that you have to live every day you can and contribute in the best way because you don’t know if you will be here tomorrow.”
The death toll continues to rise
Joan Labelle, 64, of Cornwall, Ont. he was also killed in the storm.
She was camping with friends in the Peterborough area when she was hit by a falling tree, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
Joan Labelle, 64, was killed in a storm that hit Ontario on May 21. She is survived by her husband Robert and sons Zachary and Cole. (Submitted by Zachary Label)
Labelle’s son Zachary said Labelle loves nature and being outside.
He described her as a positive person who has been happy all along and has touched the lives of many during her 40-year career as a pharmacist.
A 44-year-old man from Ottawa was among the victims of the storm. Renfrew County OPP said he died after being hit by a falling tree at a villa near Calabogi, Ont.
Gatineau police say a 51-year-old woman drowned after a pontoon boat capsized in the Ottawa River near the Mason-Angers sector.
Provincial police said Thursday that a 58-year-old man died after being hit by a falling tree in Hastings County on Saturday around 3:30 p.m.
The man got out of his car in a remote area of Marmora & Lake, about 50 kilometers north of Belleville, Ont., According to a spokesman for Central Hastings OPP Const. Barbra Hunter.
The OPP also said 80-year-old Gail Green of Ferguson Falls, Ont., Died Sunday afternoon when she was hit by a falling tree branch near Lanark, Ont.
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