Brian Fraser, a technical producer at Ottawa’s 580 CFRA, has died after a two-year battle with leukemia. He was just 26.
So we wished Brian a Bon-voyage with a Sens win. Brian Fraser passed away tonight after a hard fought battle. We know he is at peace and looking for ways to watch down on us🙏🏻🙏🏻
— Rick Fraser (@RickFraser2132) February 26, 2021
Fraser first joined CFRA as a board operator in 2015, while still a student in the Algonquin College Radio Broadcasting program, and was one of the voices heard on the The Morning Rush with Bill Carroll.
Following his diagnosis in May 2019, Fraser frequently documented his cancer journey on Twitter, including advocating for blood cancer awareness and blood donation.
#BEATBLOODCANCER September is Blood cancer Awareness month, and I’ve got some things to say about that.
I’m so glad to have gotten the full video on Twitter, and I’d really appreciate retweets of this video! This is the time to make a difference. Thank you all for the support. pic.twitter.com/KhSVI2kND3
— Brian Fraser (@brianpfraser) September 3, 2019
He accelerated his social media appeals last March during the pandemic, even doing an interview on CTV National News on the need for blood products during the lockdown. His own treatment regimen had become more aggressive as the disease morphed into acute lymphocytic leukemia and he prepared for a stem cell transplant with regular transfusions.
The stem cell transplant was successful and Fraser went into remission for six months, but by October the cancer had returned, aggressively. He announced in January that he had made the difficult decision not to continue treatment.
A legendarily rabid Ottawa Senators fan, the team began Friday’s practice with a stick to the sky salute to Fraser at centre ice.
For Brian. pic.twitter.com/kZXpgwwuRj
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) February 26, 2021
Sporting a Sens jersey in Fraser’s honour, Bill Carroll appeared on Ottawa’s CTV Morning Live on Friday, saying Fraser loved the Senators, the TV show Survivor and had a passion for helping other people, especially those battling leukemia like he was.
“He showed such courage in the last two years. This 26-year-old man taught us so much about being brave and strong,” said Carroll. “We will never forget you.”
Fraser appeared on Carroll’s show a month ago, sharing his views on death and spirituality.
“He was just incredibly insightful and brave. He didn’t want to make this last journey. He was too young and he felt that he had not left a legacy and he hadn’t accomplished anything, so it was difficult to talk to him about that but he was just so open and honest,” said Carroll. “I think you get to a certain age and you focus on what happens next and this young man taught me an important lesson which is how to face death.”
Carleton MP Pierre Poilievre stood in the House of Commons on Friday urging everyone to donate blood in Fraser’s honour.
In addition to his time with CFRA, Fraser served as a play-by-play and colour commentator for the CJHL Nepean Raiders on Algonquin College campus station, CKDJ-FM, from 2013-16.
“Lightening quick,”“genius,” “savante”—legendary technical producer Brian Fraser inspired us all with his battle against cancer. Donate blood in his honour. May he Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/fwoR3iYstb
— pierrepoilievre (@PierrePoilievre) February 26, 2021
We are gutted today. All of us.
It’s so unfair. https://t.co/RO6lzlMjmB
— 580 CFRA (@CFRAOttawa) February 26, 2021
Brian Fraser was a co-worker, and a friend but he is also my hero. My life has been immeasurably better for having him in it. May he Rest In Peace ❤️ #fcancer pic.twitter.com/WPwCCXJihu
— Stuntman Stützle 🤣 (@StuntmanStu) February 26, 2021
Fucking gutted. We weren’t blood, but Brian was my brother. I loved him. Always will.
I’m thankful that these past few months likely proved to him how much he was loved, how passionate people were about his life. What an amazing human being he was. pic.twitter.com/mNVWSuvVEQ
— Callüm Fraser (@CallumFraser18) February 26, 2021
For Brian Fraser – A small tribute for our friend, colleague, genuinely good human being and a massive sports fanhttps://t.co/GqgbtjWDr2 pic.twitter.com/RtjxKhpvol
— TSN 1200 (@TSN1200) February 26, 2021
A very sad day. We have lost an inspiring and courageous young man way too soon. We will pay tribute to Brian Fraser on @ctvottawa tonight
A pleasure to know you Brian. Watching sports will not be the same without your passionate presence here on Twitter❤️@brianpfraser pic.twitter.com/D3r6VqPGC8
— Patricia Boal (@PatriciaBoalCTV) February 26, 2021
Brian Fraser wasn’t on this earth nearly long enough but you can’t say he didn’t have an impact on the people he met and the things he loved. RIP Brian. https://t.co/x5mkSMUmkn
— Dean Brown (@PxPOttawa) February 26, 2021
The Ottawa 67’s, @REDBLACKS & the entire OSEG family are saddened to learn of the passing of Brian Fraser.
Brian was a passionate sports fan, supporter and a tireless advocate for blood donation. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the Fraser family & Brian’s many friends. pic.twitter.com/MdougaUQka
— Ottawa 67’s (@Ottawa67sHockey) February 26, 2021
#Sens head coach D.J. Smith opened his availability today with some words on Brian Fraser. pic.twitter.com/PIPsVJyqzG
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) February 26, 2021
“He had hoped to save one life by becoming a stem cell donor. Two years later, he has likely helped to save.. 1000s of patients, by inspiring people across the country to donate blood or stem cells”. Story link below.
RIP Brian Fraser 🙏❤️ Condolences to family & friends https://t.co/teV58pgcbz
— Chantale Lussier (@Dr_Lussier) February 26, 2021
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