1965 - 2024

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Remembering Mark:

 

We will miss local musician Mark Fraser, who volunteered on our Steamboat Stage Crew every summer for the entire history of the festival. Mark was born in Nova Scotia and moved west as a young man, first to Calgary and later with his young family to Edgewater. 

 

Mark was respected in the Columbia Valley music community as one of the best guitar players around. He could hold down solid rhythm, he could also soar into the most elegant improvised lead lines, and his soulful singing voice could unerringly find sweet harmonies. Mark performed many times on the Steamboat Stages over the years as a solo tweener and with his bands the Dry Gulch Ramblers, aka the Ramblers and DGR. For several years, he played with Fairwater 54, and most recently with a new incarnation of that band, River Town. He was a steadfast regular at the annual MacRobbie Camp after parties. He  was a popular side man with many bands performing at the Horsethief Creek Pub and other venues up and down the Columbia Valley.  

 

Mark passed in August 2024 from a massive aneurism. He was found by co-workers sitting in his living room with his guitar in his arms. His son Jasper, sister Karen, father Leo, his extended family, his bandmates and his many friends and fans will miss Mark dearly.  We are comforted somewhat, knowing he died while doing what he loved.