The many contributions of Ruth and Jim Fraser to the community of Williams Lake were recognized with a special plaque unveiling Thursday.
Ruth and Jim were accompanied to the Williams Lake Cemetery with a small group of friends where Mayor Walt Cobb unveiled a bronze plaque dedicating the cemetery’s garden in their honour.
“It is a privilege and an honour to stand here today and recognize the many contributions that Jim and Ruth have made to our city,” Cobb said. “When you ask people about Jim and Ruth you will hear words like loyalty, integrity, dedication, community minded and most often humble.”
Cobb outlined some of the many ways in which the Frasers have been active community members from their work with the Mount Timothy Ski Club, Hough Memorial Cancer Society and its famous hospital bed race fundraiser, the Cariboo Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, the Seniors Activity Centre, development of Glen Arbor, and Jim’s service as a city councillor and mayor.
He also delivered congratulations from Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett.
Jim served as Williams Lake mayor from 1972 to 1977 and was named Citizen of the Year in 2004.
After the unveiling Jim explained that one of his first projects as a city councillor was to follow up on requests from community members to establish a program in which trees could be planted in the cemetery in remembrance of loved ones.
In expressing his appreciation for the honour, Jim encouraged people to become involved volunteers and members of their community.
“Few people have dedicated their lives to better their community than the Frasers,” Cobb said. “They have spent a lifetime giving back to the community and the people around them.”