Fraser Bouck

Fraser Bouck, age 99, sadly passed away with his family around him at home, on Tuesday, the 4^th of February 2020.

Fraser had a long and interesting life. Since a small boy, flying was his life’s passion and it took him all over the world: he flew P51s during World War II; saw active duty flying F-84s against Russian MIGs in Korea; saw service with SAC in Europe and other places we can’t name… followed by a stint of test pilot work at Point Mugu in California with the likes of Chuck Yeager. Somewhere during this wild time he ended up under the Arc de Triomphe in Paris where he met the love of his life, Beryl, who became his wife. We’re not sure if it’s true, but the story goes that she had to marry him to get her money back after she bought the coffees!

He settled down a bit when the kids arrived, working at Chicago Bridge and Iron Company. If settling down meant stints in Chicago, London, Beirut, New Jersey/NYC, back to Chicago, back to London (twice), and New Castle, DE of course… Beryl who always gamely followed once the kids were out of school used to say “well, I got all the curtains sewn for this house, must be time to move again.” Those were just the places he and the family called home for a certain period. His work at CBI also regularly took him throughout the Middle East, North Africa, India, Pakistan and Australia.

Aside from flying, he was a French horn player who marched with the Purdue marching band while studying engineering. Once he retired from CBI, he started playing his French horn again where he played in 2 different bands until 6 months ago. If David Amato and the Delaware Symphony, were performing Mahler, he was always in the audience (lots of horns).

He didn’t appear to have regretted a day of any of it–that we know of. His last time skiing was when he was 88 and he bragged about getting the old people’s discount. The family had begun planning for his 100^th birthday which would have involved two of his other passions, single malt whiskey and oysters. Fraser claims his key to longevity was a single malt Scotch each evening.  At his birthday for the past few years, we’re embarrassed to say he took full advantage of his guests’ generosity, who always brought bottles of the liquid-of-life so he could stock up for another year. For his 98^th birthday, the family and friends celebrated with a staffed oyster bar. We don’t know how many he ate but he seemed to be at the front of the line a lot!

He leaves behind his wife Beryl, his daughter Gail, his sons Steven and Andy and their wives, Renee and Juveth, plus six grandchildren. He was predeceased by his grandson Steven. Jill, we are thankful to have had your loving support as part of our family during these past few months.

Here’s to you Fraser. Here’s to a life well and fully lived.   He used to say he was going down to the Devil when he passed because that’s where all his friends were going. But we know better. We’re going to miss you.

Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 on Friday, February 7, 2020 followed by a Memorial Service from 11:00-12:00 at Chandler Funeral Home, 7230 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin.