Desert Messenger

September 20, 2023 www.DesertMessenger.com 27 �������������������� Serving The Communities Of Quartzsite, Ehrenberg, Brenda & Bouse ������������������ ������������������� QUARTZSITE- A memorial service for was held Rose and Gary Fraser on Monday, October 13 at 11 a.m. at the Fire Station on Plymouth Rd. A special slide show was put together by Fire Chief Kevin Hess, showing some of the many ac- tivities they were involved in, and people were asked to share some of their best memories of Gary and Rose. Father John Medina, a long time friend, was also a part of the service. It was a beautiful tribute to them both, with family and friends sharing their memo- ries and celebrating their life to- gether. Gary and Rose would have approved. Living in a small town where al- most everyone knows each other can be a blessing at the best of times and at the worst of times. When a tragedy occurs in a small town, like Quartzsite, it is a time for everyone to pull together as a community and help each other through what can be one of the worst times we know. Such is the case in the wake of a recent fi re that resulted in the deaths of two of Quartzsite's most respected and well loved resi- dents. Rose and Gary Fraser lived for over 30 years in Quartzsite on Mayfl ower St. Their house was the scene last Saturday night, October By Joanne Winer Remembering Gary and Rose Fraser 4, of a tragic fi re. When the fi re de- partment arrived after being called by a police offi cer who had seen the smoke and fl ames from a distance, they arrived to fi nd the back of the house fully engulfed. While several fi refi ghters con- centrated on the fl ames at the back, others broke through the front door to see if anyone were inside. The inside was fi lled with smoke by this time, and the fi refi ghters found both Rose and Gary Fraser inside, having been overcome by smoke inhalation. In the hours and days that fol- lowed this horrible event, news traveled all over town about the loss of these two wonderful com- munity members. As of press time, the fi re is still under investigation and it is not known what caused it. The town is still in shock. Rose and Gary, Gary and Rose— you hardly ever saw either one of them without the other. They were often involved in the same things— both served the Fire Dept.—Gary was a board member for many years, and Rose served as Presi- dent of the Fire Auxiliary and was involved in the auxiliary for many years also. You would always fi nd them together at all the Fire Dept. functions, 4th of July celebrations, and pancake breakfasts. They loved See Page 7 - FRASERS the Fire Dept. with a passion, and were so proud of their "kids" as they often called them. Many of the fi refi ghters grew up knowing Rose and Gary, and this has been a very devastating loss for all of them. Rose and Gary would do any- thing for the Fire Dept. They would be fi rst to volunteer for anything that could further the cause, often working long hours when overtired, just to make sure that their "boys" would get the things they needed for the station, and the things that would keep them safe while fi ght- ing fi res. They were also very involved in the Quartzsite Business Chamber of Commerce since its inception. Gary served on the Board of Direc- tors for several years, and Rose was our Treasurer and offi ce volunteer. Times when Rose wasn't feeling well, Gary would sit in her place. When she was working, he would bring her lunch, and walking in the door, he would say "where's my Rosie?" Their love for each other was an inspiration for all of us who knew them. When Rose got very ill last year, Gary was a basket case, and we all worried about what would happen if either one of them ended up alone. Now, they will al- ways be together. Town water fl ows to Q Mountain Subdivision QUARTZSITE- After many long months of plans, sweat and hard work, the residents of Q Mountain Subdivision will fi nally receive water from the town. According to Bob Kelley, President of the Q Mt. Homeowners Assoc., "The town was very helpful in getting this project accomplished." The residents of Q Mountain Sub- division have had many challenges with the well water over the years. The new water will relieve many headaches for the residents and the town will receive benefi ts from the revenue generated. "The Planning Dept., Town Hall, Water Dept. all were super coop- erative!" Kelley explained. "But this could not have happened without the team efforts of all of Town Hall and the whole Associa- tion Board; Phil Burns, Marilyn Summers, Nancy Wiscom, & Jan St.Clair. Everyone worked so hard and they all deserve credit." HCB to celebrate 3rd anniversary QUARTZSITE - Horizon Community Bank will be holding a Customer Appreciation Day Wednesday, Oc- tober 29, from 5:00pm - 7:00pm, celebrating their three years of being in the town of Quartzsite. Join the celebration at HCB at 225 N. Central (Hwy. 95), Quartz- site. HCB recently introduced a new checking account called "Star Checking" which offers custom- ers a checking account with a high rate of interest, E-statements and other benefi ts. "This town is a celebration of their lives!" "Gary and Rose loved Quartzsite!" "You cannot drive through town without seeing the efforts of Gary & Rose." "They loved this town and they loved the Quartzsite Fire Department!" quotes from speakers at Memorial Service SPECIAL SECTION

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