Captain Archbald Finley Fraser, Sr.

Captain Archbald “Archie” Finley Fraser, Sr.

98 years old

Born January 1, 1922 in Georgetown, Washington D.C. to the late Donald McKay Fraser and Isabell McDonald, immigrants from Scotland. Archie’s mother passed away at his birth. His father later married Florence Jane Hazelgrove, who then became Archie’s “mum”. Archie grew up at Berry Hill with his brother, Donald and sister, Catherine, in Newport, Rhode Island.

After graduation from Rodgers High School, Archie entered Kings Point Merchant Marine Academy in New York. There he sailed to and from France, carrying artillery during WWII. After his graduation from the Academy in 1944, he sailed for Delta Line Steam Ship Company, carrying passengers and cargo to South America and West Africa.

During a stop over in New Orleans he met the love of his life, Olga Lopez, a flight attendant. He and Olga married in 1949. Together they had three boys, Archbald Finley, Jr., Kenneth McKay, and Donald McKay. During Archie’s time working for Delta Line Steam Ship Company he wanted to spend more time with his family, so they moved to Santos, Brazil for two years, where he worked as Port Captain. Afterwards they moved back to their home in Metairie, Louisiana, and retired from Master Mates and Pilots.

In 1969 they moved to Covington, Louisiana and he began a new career, titled “Fraser marine Surveying”. He surveyed until he was in his mid-eighties.

Archie joined the Plimsoll Dinner Club at the World Trade Center in New Orleans, where he would have lunch monthly with his Maritime friends.

He and Olga joined numerous clubs, The Beau Chene Club, The Let’s Dance Club, and The Lion’s Club, where they made lifelong friends. The Lion’s Club was certainly dearest to his heart, he was a lifelong member and a Melvin Jones Recipient.

Archie had a great love for dogs, especially Irish Settlers. Over the years he had three named, Hyper One, Hyper Two, and Hyper Three. Daily, he spent time taking them for long walks.

He had a very dry sense of humor, making It sometimes difficult to tell whether he was serious or joking. He was very eager to serve but never wanted to be served. He was a gentleman, kind, and thoughtful.

Archie and Olga were married sixty-four years. Archie passed away seven years and three days after his beloved Olga, who broke his heart when she passed away.

He precedes in death his wife, Olga and his son, Kenneth. He leaves behind two sons, Finley and Donald. Two grandchildren, Michael and Sharie Fraser Lam. Six great-grandchildren, Ryan Lam, Lauren Lam, Michael Fraser, Jr., Christian Fraser, Katherine Fraser, and Landon Fraser. His sister, Catherine Fraser Gunning. Two nephews, Ralph and Donald Gunning and one niece, Jane Gunning.

In lieu of flowers send donations to The Lions Club, Covington, Louisiana. Archie was loved by all who knew him.