Remembering the Boxing Veteran
Don Fraser held so many positions in the sport of boxing that the list of jobs he held goes on and on: boxer, trainer, boxing writer, editor, promoter, publicist, manager, cornerman, correspondent, matchmaker, California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) officer and more.
So, naturally, the boxing community wanted to pay tribute to the Southern California veteran who passed away October 30 at the age of 92. His family and friends gathered together at a private December 27 fiesta befitting the boxing aficionado who did so much during his long and successful career in the sweet science.
Hosted by his three daughters (with his beloved late wife Ruth) Dianne, Denise and Lynne and his grandchildren welcomed a large crowd at the Viva Rancho Cantina in Burbank.
It was a standing-room only guest list that included boxing champs, trainers, authors, historians, actors, singers and musicians. Carlos Palomino, Rafael Ruelas, Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Alex Ramos, Art Frias, Gene Aguilera, Steve Harpst, Doug Krikorian, Bill and Linda Young, Carol Steindler Ferris, Trudie Latka, David Martinez, Ron Enriquez, and other notables were all in attendance.
The day combined his two passions: boxing and music.
There was a bagpipe player, the Woody James Big Band, singers Dianne Cohn, Dave Berges and Lynn Keller who all gave knockout performances in memory of the man who loved to listen to live music.
The California Boxing Hall of Fame founder/president was remembered as a pivotal person in the fight game, a mentor to many, a cherished father and a friend to the boxing world.
There were touching remembrances from his daughters and grandkids, Bill and Linda Young, and writer/author Doug Krikorian.
Through the tears, there was also laughter with anecdotes of Don through the decades. As his boxing pals and family members enjoyed a Mexican buffet, a slide show began which highlighted the historical moments of Don’s star-studded career.
I knew Don for many years and was honored to be an inductee in his California Boxing Hall of Fame. He was a great mentor. He knew his stuff. He was tough, he was funny, he was direct. He was sometimes gruff, with that no nonsense demeanor. But he was also kind and patient to newcomers in the sport. And if he liked you, count yourself as one of the lucky ones. I was lucky to have known Don Fraser and he will be surely missed.
Rest in Peace, Don.
Photos by Michele Chong
