RIP Fraser Folster
July 23rd, 2007 at 10:26 am by David FarrarLike many in Wellington, and no doubt further afield, I am mourning the death of Fraser Folster who passed away on Friday.
Fraser was a journalist and then press secretary. He worked for many Ministers of all hues and stripes. He must have been one of the nicest people you can ever hope to meet.
Fraser was aged only 54, and over the last two weeks many of those who know him have been in shock when told of his limited prognosis.
Words can’t do justice to what a thoroughly decent and nice guy Fraser was. I recall him cheerily coming in at 5 am to help do a media summary for a 6.30 am meeting, and he was always smiling.
Fraser is somewhat infamous for missing the story of the year in 1989 when he was in hospital and David Lange came to visit him. Lange, as he left and no doubt with a huge mischievous smile, casually mentioned he was resigning tomorrow. Fraser thought Lange was pulling his leg and did not follow it up, and as it happens Lange did resign the next day.
I’m not sure when the funeral service is, but will blog details when I have them. It will be a very sad occasion.
July 23rd, 2007 at 10:37 am
I am mourning too. I had a bit to do with him when he was PR for ACC. A hell of a nice guy trying very hard to both honestly spin and be truthful about what was going on at ACC, despite being frustrated with management there.
His funeral wil be at St Andrews on Tte Terrace 24 July 10am
Vote:July 23rd, 2007 at 11:37 am
He was a helluva nice guy. I had several dealings with him while he worked in the Beehive. Like you say, he was a gent.
Vote:July 23rd, 2007 at 12:16 pm
I would like to say how sad my family and I are at the news of Fraser’s death. I was married to Fraser’s brother Gerry, who died in 2004, and it is sad to think that Fraser is the last of that branch of the Folster family -his mother Nancye died earlier this year -her funeral, here in Canberra was the last time I spoke to Fraser.
Vote:My children and I loved Fraser for his great sense of humour, his fantastic appetite, and his generousity. He visited us here in Australia on many occasions -always the greatest house guest ever -he filled us in on all the happenings in the country of our birth -his stories of NZ parliament and his enthusiasm for NZ movies -especially Lord of the Rings was great to behold! I am sure he read the book 10 times. There are so many great stories about this brave, kind and generous man -farewell Frase -may you rest in peace.
I know that his many friends will be grieving his death and I would like to offer my condolences to all.
Judi Corcoran
July 23rd, 2007 at 12:21 pm
10am tomorrow, Tue 24th at St Andrews on the Terrace
Vote:July 23rd, 2007 at 1:39 pm
Whenever someone passes away nowadays it’s common for people to say he or she “was an example to others”. It’s a pity the phrase has become over-used because when someone like Fraser Folster dies, it’s truly appropriate.
I didn’t know him well at all. In fact I knew him more by repute than anything else. But in the backbiting world of media and politics I never heard anything but warmth and admiration, for Fraser as a person and for the way he did his job. I can think of few others in similar roles about whom this could be said.
He’s one of those people for whom those of us who’ve trodden the same path can only wish we were half as well-liked and respected, and who truly does serve as an example to those who follow.
Deepest condolences.
Vote:July 23rd, 2007 at 2:42 pm
My abiding memory of Fraser was about eight years ago, calling him up to ask him for something when he was at McCully’s office. It wasn’t particularly urgent. He wasn’t in, and called me back twenty minutes later. He sounded extremely ill. I said to him: “Fraser, are you alright?”
He explained he’d just come out of oral surgery, having had both his wisdom teeth removed. I could hardly work out what he was saying. I said to him: “Bloody hell, Fraser. Go home. This can wait until tomorrow.”
He insisted on getting me the stuff by the end of the afternoon, which he promptly did.
As always, an absolute pro.
Vote:July 23rd, 2007 at 5:30 pm
He sounds like a real gent,RIP Mr Fraser Folster.
Vote:July 23rd, 2007 at 7:07 pm
wow, that was a shcok of a post to read. he was such a sweetheart and I remember him for his sparkly eyes , big smile, sense of humour and sweet tooth!.
Vote:July 24th, 2007 at 9:12 pm
I will remember him as someone with the most sardonic, dry, educated wit. He could look at you and say one word, with cheeky face, and you would be crying with laughter. I don’t think I ever saw him sad.
I don’t think he’ll mind me saying this, but he was even funnier because he didn’t LOOK intelligent–but he had a very sharp and insightful mind.
I remeber that once we were thrown together on a Kareoke (sp?) stage. Farser didn’t sign a word, he just passed a stream of comments about the true meaning of the lyrics into the micro-phone. I still bend over with laughter when I thnk about it–farewell big guy.
Gman
Vote:July 27th, 2007 at 5:01 pm
I remember Fraser from varsity in the 1970s. He took me home to meet his mum and I remember their mutually appreciative relationship with Mickey Savage looking down on us approvingly from the dining room wall. That respect for his mother – and her courage – is the memory that lingers.
Vote:July 27th, 2007 at 11:19 pm
I worked with Fraser in Sandra Lee’s office for a couple of years. Fraser was always goodhumoured; not many of us can say that. He had a fantastic appetitle for all kinds of food and was very generous. He was a man of prodigious intelligence and ability and was also a man with a good heart.
Vote:I was very dismayed to hear of his death. Rest well Fraser – you worked so hard!
August 3rd, 2007 at 2:51 pm
Friends, family and colleagues of journalist and broadcaster Fraser Folster are invited to his wake in Auckland on Tuesday, August 7 – what would have been his 55th birthday.
Fraser wanted his wake to be an informal occasion to remember him with laughter, food and drink, and the telling of tall tales. All who knew Fraser – from his childhood in Mt Albert, university, the Territorials, broadcasting, the Pacific communities, the public service, politics – are warmly invited to this celebration of his life. Fraser’s collection of teddy bears, parrots and other ‘soft’ friends will also be there, seeking new homes.
When and where: Tuesday, August 7, 6-9pm, upstairs at the Grey Lynn Returned Services Club, 1 Francis St, central Auckland.
Contact: Karen (09) 528-5070 or e: fraserswake@orcon.net.nz
Please pass this on to anyone who knew Fraser and might like to attend
Vote:August 6th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
I remember Fraser being a great mentor – he took a genuine interest in younger colleagues, and was generous with his time and coaching. I have him to thank for putting in a good word that eventually got me a promotion to Bill Birch’s press secretary team in the mid-1990s.
Vote:August 6th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
I am living in Bangkok and have just heard the sad news about Fraser. My strongest memories of him are from attending South Pacific Forums back in the 90s as a journalist. I was an outsider and so a bit nervous but Fraser was very kind and helpful to me. He was full of insight and wit and I loved listening to him. Always after that whenever I saw Fraser (usually from a distance, he was so busy) it gave me a sense of pleasure – he was such a nice person.
I wish I could join the memorial service but I will be there in spirit.
Bronwen Evans
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