FRASER LOYAL KELLY
With sorrow, yet with profound gratitude for all he gave us, we announce the passing of Fraser Loyal Kelly, on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, in Toronto. After a long illness, he died peacefully surrounded by his family.
His greatest love was his wife of 63 years, Joan. She was his respected and valued partner through all of life's adventures. Together, they explored the world and navigated life with grace and humour.
In his professional life, Fraser pursued journalism with a passion. He started as a night police reporter in Oshawa and became the Toronto Telegram's political editor. When the Tely printed its last newspaper in 1971, he told friends and family that he would "miss the honest sweat of print reporting." Fraser moved to television as the political editor for CFTO in Toronto and the host of Fraser Kelly Reports and Hourlong. Later, Fraser co-hosted the CBLT evening newscast, Newshour, and a public aЇairs show, Fraser's Edge. He wrote a column for the Toronto Star and contributed to various magazines. But he was perhaps most respected for hosting live election coverage and political leadership campaigns.
Fraser left the CBC at 50 to embark on his subsequent career. He co-founded Corpworld Group, providing strategic communications counsel and training across numerous sectors and issues, always grounded in his belief that you tell the truth, especially when it's hard and hurts. He consulted well into his 80s.
Fraser was an incredibly loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend ̫ he loved openly and with conviction. He was a wide-awake optimist, always curious, never cynical. A talker for sure, but more than that, Fraser was a considerate and intentional listener. He had an insatiable appetite for life and approached everything with genuine enthusiasm. He was moved by great music, art and books, and little moments of humanity.
He loved his hometown of Toronto and was a huge fan of local sports. Fraser cheered on the Argos, Jays, the Leafs, and TFC. He adored jazz and Oscar Peterson. Fraser was proud of the country and adamant that Canada could always do better and be better at home and internationally.
Fraser had a profound love of nature and the outdoors, which he shared with his grandchildren, teaching them to Јsh and enjoy the natural world. He met weekly with his buddies at the Duke in Toronto to share stories and laughs.
We will most remember Fraser for his enormous heart. He gave of himself generously and whole-heartedly. His courage and spirit live on in his wife, Joan, his children, Matthew (Lisa) and Heather, and his grandchildren, Ciaran, Madeleine, Ellis and May.
Rest peacefully, Fraser. We will think of you at every crossroad and celebrate you always!
Fraser was predeceased by his parents, Loyal Kelly and Aileen (Wallace), and his brother, Robert Kelly (Beverley).
If you wish, a donation to the Salvation Army or the Nature Conservancy of Canada would be appreciated.