US Navy veteran
LYNNFIELD — Laurence “Laurie” Wayne Fraser of Lynnfield passed away peacefully on November 9 at the age of 79 after a long battle with dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
Laurie graduated from Lynnfield High School in 1962. He served as a Call/Volunteer Firefighter throughout high school up until joining the military. He is a Navy veteran and retired from the Orlando Police Department with 20+ years of service. He graduated from Rollins College with his BS in Criminal Justice. While with OPD he served as a patrol officer, detective, arson investigator and certified bomb technician, ultimately earning the rank of Lieutenant. While with OPD he worked hand in hand with the Orlando Fire Department shifting responsibility of the arson/bomb squad to the OFD. After retirement, he moved to Baton Rouge, LA where he took a position with the Department of State working with the Louisiana State Police as a certified explosives instructor. There he trained ATF, FBI, national police departments and international police departments from over 50 different countries.
Throughout his life, he was an avid volunteer, leader and mentor. He dedicated almost all of his free time to his “kids” including many more than just his own. From leading Indian Guides, Boy Scouts and eventually the Explorers and then simply guiding and inspiring young people who had the good fortune of being in his life, he made a powerful impact on so many. Although always a kid at heart himself, Laurie will be remembered by numerous people who referred to him as “Dad” in their youth. He had a gracious and welcoming personality, helping many young people who needed guidance. Always known to have a story, his countless tales about his life experiences will truly be missed.
He is survived by his wife Michele “Mickey” Fraser; sister Carol Kilroy and brother David Arthur Fraser; son David Fraser, his wife Vickie Fraser and their children Madison, Christian and Alyssa; daughter Tami Armstrong, her husband Trace Armstrong and their children Jared, Jackson and Matthew; son Jeremy Brunson, his wife Lindsay Brunson and their children Beck and Sutton; daughter Christina Valdejo; daughter Jennifer Brunson, her children Aidan, Gavin and LJ; and great granddaughter Isla Armstrong. He was preceded in death by his parents: father Walter Fraser and mother Caroline Bilodeau Fraser; his brother Malcolm Fraser; and niece Colleen Kilroy.
Please join the family in a celebration of life at the Brunson’s residence at 37342 Mindy Way Ave., Prairieville, LA 70769 on Friday, November 15 at 6 p.m. An additional Celebration of Life will be held in Orlando in early January, details to follow. Condolences may be offered online at oursofh.com.
