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Born in Los Angeles to Hugh and Mary Fraser, Stu arrived in South Pasadena in the 5th grade, his home until 1966. It was a special place to grow up and proved formative in his life. He did not claim to be a stellar student, but possessed a fierce work ethic, friendly, optimistic personality and graduated from SPHS in 1961.
At SPHS he played football, ran track, enjoyed Explorer Post 342, joined Methodist Youth Fellowship, and cruised in his 1952 red Chevy. He earned a psychology degree at San Diego State. By 1966 he was married to his first wife and had begun a 16-year career with Hallmark in Kansas City.
Stu’s 13-year marriage ended but from it came his two beloved children. While at Hallmark, he met Ginny. They married in 1982. Returning to California, he and Ginny started their own business, The Fraser Collection, creating art, manufacturing greeting cards and licensing art to 40 different companies for use on their products. The company thrived for 30 years.
In 1991 Ginny and Stu moved to Telluride, Colorado–soon his favorite place. Stu discovered a passion for community service: serving on nonprofit boards, singing with the Telluride Choral Society and elected to Town Council in 2001 on a high card draw when he drew the Ace of Spades. Elected Mayor in his second council term, he remained in local government until termed out as mayor in 2015.
He took great delight in his role as an officiant, married countless couples, was in lip sync contests, and displayed legendary dance skills in Telluride’s July 4th parade with the Men without Rhythm dance troupe. There was also skiing, hiking and photography, along with SPHS Class of ’61 reunions he and Ginny enjoyed.
Travel became important when Stu got involved in family genealogy. He researched his Scottish roots to the first King of Scotland, Robert the Bruce, his 18th great-grandfather. In 2013, he and Ginny visited his Scottish ancestors’ graves throughout Scotland and England. Stu leaves his research in a large book of Fraser clan pedigree charts, pictures and stories to bless future generations.
Stu passed away of complications from a stroke. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Ginny; children Stephanie (Andy) Vogt and Patrick (Michelle) Fraser; two grandchildren and many friends from South Pasadena and throughout his life.
