Tribute to Lady Marion Fraser

Wednesday January 11 2017

The Very Rev Dr James Simpson pays a personal tribute to Lady Marion Fraser, who died on Christmas Day, and served as Lord High Commissioner during his moderatorial year in 1994 (and again in 1995).

Lady Marion Fraser, who died on Christmas Day, was without doubt one of the most outstanding Scottish women of her day. When the editor asked me to write a short obituary, I was at first tempted to devote the major part to recording the many honours heaped upon her, including Her Majesty’s invitation to serve as Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly, and to become the first non-royal lady to be made a Companion of the Thistle. I have however resisted that temptation. More important than any of these well deserved honours, was the friendly, gracious and inspiring person Marion Fraser was, the loving and devoted wife and mother

Marion and I first met in the playground of Giffnock Primary in the early 1940s. Fifty years later, on being nominated Moderator, I was thrilled to learn that Marion was to be Lord High Commissioner. I cannot think of any other Moderator and Lord High Commissioner who knew each other from childhood. On the opening day of the Assembly, my fear was that instead of referring to the Lord High as “Your Grace”, I would call her Marion. Her greatest fear was that instead of calling me Moderator, she would call me Jim.

The warm friendship extended by Marion and her husband Kerr, the Principal of Glasgow University, greatly enriched the Moderatorial year for my wife and myself. I still have the letter Marion sent us, inviting us to stay overnight before preaching in the University Chapel. “Come on the Saturday afternoon at a time which suits you both, the earlier the better.”

Lady Fraser lived life to the full. Hers was a life that touched many other lives, and in touching them greatly enriched them. She had so much boundless energy and enthusiasm. She belonged to that precious category of human beings who are willing to get involved, willing to go the second mile. She was totally committed to what the church at its finest stood for. For many years she served as Chair of Christian Aid. In every church of which Marion was a member, she played a key role.

Sometimes people of such outstanding competence can be coldly off-putting, but not Marion. What a warm smile and friendly voice she had. Though that friendly voice is now silent, for those of us who knew her well, the echoes of it, and of her hearty laugh, will be a long time in dying.