The Fraser Cemetery, also known as the IOOF (International Order of the Odd Fellow) cemetery, is a City of New Westminster operated cemetery which dates back to 1869 / 1870.
Over the years, the Fraser Cemetery site has grown from a number of individual cemeteries, starting with the Church of England and Masonic Cemeteries, later joined by the International Order of Oddfellows (IOOF) in the 1880s. The City opened a cemetery of their own around 1912. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, these individual cemeteries were absorbed into one and have since been operated by the City of New Westminster. The old section names are still used to describe the plot locations; these section names are Masonic, IOOF / Oddfellows, Old Church of England, Upper Fraser / Old Fraser, Military / Returned Soldier, and newer sections known as Lawn, and C of E (Church of England). While some may refer to the cemetery as Fraser View Cemetery, this is a colloquial addition; it is formally known as Fraser Cemetery.
This cemetery has a few notable names to it, such as;
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Raymond Burr:
Born in New Westminster, Burr is best known for his roles in the television series Perry Mason and Ironside. He returned to his hometown to be buried in the family plot at Fraser Cemetery. .
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John "Gassy Jack" Deighton:
One of many notable pioneers. The part of Vancouver near the docks thats called Gas Town, is named for this Gassy fellow. (An odd name for an odd fellow, but not an Odd Fellow)
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Acton Windeyer Sillitoe:
As the first Bishop of New Westminster, Sillitoe's burial in Fraser Cemetery marks his significance to the city's history.Â
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Samuel McCleery:
A prominent area pioneer, McCleery's contributions are recognized through his burial in Fraser Cemetery.Â