Lesley and whānau, while Bruce may no longer be physically present he will always be with you. He has touched so many people and made a difference often with a smile or a word that can change a person’s life for the better. He was a wonderful special man and strong supporter of PRiNZ and all it stands for. My heart goes out to you all. Kua hinga te tōtara i Te Waonui-a-Tāne.

I was stunned to learn in recent days that Bruce was sick and his time with us was being measured. Bruce worked with us within the Ballance Farm Environment Awards and we valued his knowledge, friendship, and stewardship as the Bay of Plenty group developed into one of the very best regions for the awards program in New Zealand. His work with BOP was soon recognised and Bruce was elected to the NZ Farm Environment Trust where he shone and reflected the aspirations of his province and his own personality. BFEA BOP was blessed to have him in their midst and individually we were blessed to have him as a friend. We acknowledge his life, his work, his values and his contribution to the world around him. We acknowledge Lesley and their family and offer sincere condolences as they farewell this special man. What a lovely farewell service it was, thank you for allowing us to share in the moment. Kind regards on behalf of the Ballance Farm Environment Awards management team and their supporters.

My first English teacher at Trident High School, Bruce was the first to show me that books were about more than just the words they contain, that finding the hidden messages within can be more satisfying than the plot. Patient and kind to everyone who struggled, as a teacher Bruce found was to connect with each of his students in a way we knew he truly saw us - a true teacher. Later in life, during his next career, I had the pleasure of talking to Bruce again. No longer "Mr Fraser" but still someone who provided the warmth, attention and charisma offered in the classroom. Bruce, there is no better honour than being remembered for the positive influence you had on the lives of so many others. I am just one of multitudes who will always remember you fondly. My thoughts are with with extended Fraser whanau. A mighty kauri has fallen. Kia kaha.

Heartfelt sympathy at the loss of your Soul Mate, Dad & Koro. Taken too soon, but a life lived so well and inspirationally.

Well, this is ridiculous! Lesley, my heart goes out to you. Bruce is the reason I thought becoming an English teacher wouldn't be such a bad job. I strived to create a classroom atmosphere that was as warm and fun and eye-opening as his was. 'Mr Fraser' taught me that there were other points of view, and that they were not wrong because my narrow focus found them different. He taught me much about people and how to think critically. He showed me the joy of debate around a piece of literature. Through his famous 'Biography Unit' Mr Fraser gave me the most precious record about my grandmother's life, without which we would know and remember very little of her life. He taught me that you could voice your views. He broke my heart when he gave me Tess of the D'Urbervilles to read, and I'll never forget rushing into his classroom to say, "OMG THEY KILLED HER!" and Mr Fraser saying, "I was WAITING for this!" In his class, I was also introduced to Rachel McAlpine, Keri Hulme, Frank Sargeson, Bill Manhire and so many others. I am still in awe at how he never belittled my little mind and was patient with my self-righteous teen attitude. The older I get, the more I realise Mr Fraser taught me. I have no doubt that there isn't a life he touched that he didn't enhance, enrich and empower - even if it was a fleeting acquaintance. His smile alone was golden, but his mana and grace was something else. What luck for you all to have had such a masterful, beautiful man in your lives. Much, MUCH aroha to you all. Sue x

So sorry to hear of your passing Mr Fraser, you were an inspiring teacher as well as an exceptional Hockey coach for my years at Trident. I remember writing an essay at uni about what inspired me to want to be a teacher and you were part of it. Your eagerness to try different things, your calmness in the class and they way you interacted with the students. I even mentioned how you colour coordinated your socks with your shirts. Aroha nui Whaea Lesley and Whanau

An awesome English teacher and cross county coach. So sorry to hear of your loss.

Dear Lesley and family, We were deeply saddened to learn of Bruce's passing and wish we could be with be you. We are all going to miss Bruce a great deal, for he always added a greater dimension to any project or to any task he was given….be it adding an erudite article for the newspaper or placing a sheep in a colleague's classroom. He would cry with us when we needed sympathy or laugh when we needed a gentle touch. Love to all Alison and Bob

Bruce always had an effervescent and infectious personality. He taught English for many years at Trident High School in Whakatane and became Head of Department. He was an exceptional teacher in part because he was a great story teller. His huge contribution to the school in many spheres was of note. He certainly was a legend in the school when he left to join Environment BOP.

Thanks for sharing a fantastic tribute and service for a great man, have many fond memories of Bruce. Aroha Lesley and whanau.

I first met Bruce through his role as the driving force behind the infamous BOP MashUp competitions that encouraged kids into tech and using that tech to solve meaningful community challenges. I’ll never forget the mother of one of the contestants who hugged me after one mashup weekend with tears in her eyes and said “my son is not into sport so he’s never competed in anything where he felt like he belonged”. Talk about legacy. Bruce was a legend and his impact is so widespread. Thank you Bruce for all that you taught us. You will be missed.

A lovely man, good company and an honest golfer!

Shocked to learn about Bruce's death. His commitment to ethical practice and the profession's reputation made a significant contribution to the public relations community in NZ. My deepest condolences to his family and PRINZ.

Bruce, thank you for being such a super smart, fun, active, smiley man! I realised we've known each other since I was a journalist at Radio 1XX and you were with Environment BOP. 2002 I think?! I am in shock as I only found out the news today. Huge love to your family and I know you'll be riding your bike and smiling your smile on the most beautiful road you've ever seen.

We have just finished joining you for the live streaming of Bruce’s service. It was truly amazing - just like the man himself. We will never forget the time when Reuben was 9 months old and living next door to each other in Henderson Street. Our Son Ryan was born and not long after arriving home from the annex Bruce came over and lay beside him on the mat and read him his first story. Yes he was indeed an extra special lovely human being. We are proud to have known him and so pleased we were able to share his service with you all. Our hearts go out to you - we are with you. Pam and Brian

What a beautiful service for a truely lovely man. My deepest sympathy. Rest In Peace Bruce

Farewell e hoa.

A great friend and colleague. Beautiful service to remember and honour a warm and wonderful bloke.

Such a sad day, my schoolmate, my surfing mate & my hockey mate, gone too soon. Our sympathy & condolences to Lesley and the Family. Our thoughts are with you today. Rest in Peace Bruce.

Bruce, that smile, that hug, that warm personality with so much care for people and your whanau - so measured, so wise, and so generous with your time and knowledge. So quickly gone. How we will miss you.