A Caley Thistle director and prominent local businessman who died after an illness has been described by his team’s manager as a “fantastic person”.
Donald Fraser, known to friends and family as Donnie, passed away at his home in Inverness on the night of Sunday, September 18, aged 59.
A club statement read that the passing of this “extremely committed and active board member” was a “source of great sadness” to all at the club.
Caley Thistle chairman, Kenny Cameron, said: “Donnie’s passing comes as a severe shock to us all and although no words can ease his family’s pain our deepest sympathy and condolences go to his wife Theresa and the family.
“He was a regular major benefactor to this club in a range of ways before he accepted our invitation to join the board.
“As a board member, Donnie was extremely diligent and committed and his passing will leave a void at the club which will be difficult to replace.
“It is a tragedy that illness has robbed his family, friends, workmates and our club of Donnie’s presence when he still had so much to contribute.”
The club will mark Mr Fraser’s passing at this weekend’s home game against Dundee.
Manager Richie Foran also paid tribute to Mr Fraser. He said: “Donnie will be sadly missed by us all, players and coaches and back room staff, he was a great club man and a fantastic person. May he rest in peace.”
Mr Fraser was also well known as the founder and a managing director of Korrie Mechanical and Plumbing, a major employer in Inverness.
The engineering firm generated a record £13million turnover – a leap of 30% – in the five years since it was launched in Inverness.
The company offers a range of services including plumbing, mechanical, heating installation, boiler servicing, electrical and renewable energy.
It merged with a central belt business last year and now operates as part of Glasgow-based Ingen Technical Services, and earlier this year Mr Fraser said that they were aiming to achieve business growth of 15-20% following the change of ownership.
Helensburgh-born Mr Fraser, who was a good amateur footballer, lived in Inverness for more than 30 years and became a director of Caley Thistle last year.
In 2013, Korrie installed a biomass heating system at Caley Thistle’s stadium which generated significant benefits and savings in heating costs.
And in June 2014, Korrie agreed a sponsorship deal with the club in which they became the first business to have their name and website on the back of the team’s shirts.
Although a proud supporter of Caley Thistle, Mr Fraser was also well known at rivals Ross County through his work at Korrie, and was also a welcome visitor at the Global Energy stadium.
Ross County director Peter Swanson said: “As far as his passion for football and his abilities as a respected businessman,
Donnie will be a much missed member of our community and our thoughts are with his family at this time.”
