It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Peter Fraser, a longtime employee who joined OCAD University in 1985. He was the longest-serving member of the University’s management team and director of Finance for 28 years.
“Peter had a deep appreciation for OCAD U. His contributions over the past four decades were significant, supporting critical change projects such as the Rosalie Sharp Centre for Design and the transition from a college to a university,” remembers colleague and friend Connie Arezes-Reis, executive director of People and Culture. “He was a valued and respected member of our leadership team who will be dearly missed.”
Fraser joined OCAD University in 1985 as the accounting manager after working for chartered professional accounting firms and in the travel industry. In 1994, he was appointed interim business administrator from February to September. He was later promoted to director of Finance in April 1997, a position he held until his passing in September 2025.
“Peter and I worked closely together since I joined OCAD U about 12 years ago. I experienced firsthand his unwavering dedication to OCAD U, his always doing the right thing for the University, his polite smile no matter how corny the joke, as well as his steadfast adherence to rules – the latter a good thing when one is a director of finance. Those of us who were part of his ‘work family’ during his many years at OCAD U will truly and deeply miss him, which, surely, is one measure of a life, although cut short, well-lived,” says Alan Simms, vice-president, Finance and Administration.
During the 17 years they worked together, Peter Caldwell, former vice-president, Finance and Administration, recalls that it was a time of tremendous growth as the Ontario College of Art (OCA) transitioned from a college to a university. He says Fraser played a key role in the construction of the Rosalie Sharp Centre for Design.
“Though no one would call Peter an artist, he was deeply committed to the mission and people of OCA, then the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD), and finally OCAD University for the past 40 years. He served the University with deep integrity, professionalism, skill and, yes, creativity,” he remembers. “It’s very sad to lose Peter – so suddenly – just as he was finally starting to think about retirement. He was my friend, and a friend to many. He will be deeply missed.”
For Omita Mansur, manager of budget planning, Fraser’s commitment to OCAD U and his contributions to the institution’s growth, including the completion of the Rosalie Sharp Centre for Design building, are what she remembers most about him.
“Peter was not just the director of Finance, not just a longtime employee of 40 years – he was at the heart of this institution,” she says. “He saw the institution through its evolution from OCA to OCAD to OCAD U. I was able to ride this journey with him for many years, and though we often disagreed, I respected his grounded leadership and steadfast commitment to this institution; it was a huge part of his life.”
She remembers the day when she joined Fraser at the corner of McCaul and Dundas streets, as the giant legs of the Rosalie Sharp Centre for Design travelled along University St. to Dundas St. W. and finally to 100 McCaul St.
“We supported this project through care and control of the institution’s financial administration. And on that day, when we stood together, watching those legs make their way onto campus, under police escort, it was an absolute thrill and a memory I will always cherish,” says Mansur.
A CARING AND SUPPORTIVE LEADER
“Peter had an extraordinary memory – not just for work-related details, but for the people around him. He always took the time to ask about my boys, especially during the period when my son was out west fighting wildfires in Alberta. That genuine interest and care meant a lot,” remembers Ana Piñiero, senior procurement officer. “His warmth, wit, and thoughtfulness made him a truly special boss. Peter will be deeply missed.”
“I can still vividly remember his laugh during my interview when I mentioned having to sort through thousands of receipts at my old job. He said it reminded him of those days in his own career,” says Annie Qiu, controller. “He taught me so much over the years we worked together, and I can’t say enough about how much he contributed to my growth.”
“Peter was my boss for over 21 years and there were many things that made him a great leader and mentor,” remembers Charlene James, senior accountant. “When he saw potential in someone, he would encourage them to do better and push themselves. He always gave credit where credit was due. Our work and dedication never went unnoticed by him, and he never missed an opportunity to say, ‘thank you’ or ‘great job.’ His encouraging support will be missed.”
Devanand Pitamber, senior accountant, also recalls Fraser’s kindness and support, admiring his ability to make a person feel seen and an important member of the Finance Department.
“I was nervous to be rubbing shoulders with the head of the Finance Department since I had recently started at OCAD U,” says Pitamber who was seated beside Fraser at the department’s holiday party. “However, as the party progressed, my nervousness reduced as Peter initiated and engaged in conversation with me, looking to get to know me. He made me begin to feel that I was part of the Finance Department and team.”
RESPECTED AND ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE COFO
Fraser was an active member of the Council of Ontario Finance Officers (COFO) and the COFO Seniors group since its inception. He was well-respected and worked diligently to ensure that the perspective of small universities was represented and heard. He chaired the COFO Seniors group from 2017 to 2019 and continued to serve as a member of the COFO Executive after his term ended.
Lisa Krawiec, director of Accountability and Finance at the Council of Ontario Universities (COU), first started working alongside Fraser when she was a senior policy analyst supporting COFO.
“Peter was supportive and patient as I fully transitioned into my role. He was always generous with his time and knowledge-sharing. I will not soon forget his kindness and what a pleasure it was to work alongside him,” says Krawiec.
In 2021, he received the Distinguished Leadership Award from COFO in recognition of his demonstrated effective leadership and contribution to management of higher education.
Fraser’s involvement with COFO included being a member of the Financial Sustainability Metrics Working Group for several years, helping to refine metrics and benchmarks and improving reporting and action processes.
During the last year, he was an active member of the Administrative and Operational Efficiencies Working Group, helping to respond to the government’s anticipated efficiency metrics. He was also a member of the COFO Financial Literacy Working Group, the COFO Nominating Committee, and the Distinguished Awards Nominating Committee.
FRASER TO RECEIVE AWARD POSTHUMOUSLY
Fraser was nominated for the COFO Distinguished Service Award before his passing, and this award will be presented to him, posthumously, at the 2025 COFO Fall Conference.
“Peter was such a valued member of the university community for so long, and he made an impact on many of us. This award is well-deserved not only for Peter’s longstanding service but for being an upstanding colleague and peer. He will be very much missed at COU and COFO,” says Krawiec.
At the time of his passing, Fraser was vice-president of the volunteer Board of Directors for the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Niagara Branch.
Fraser grew up in the towns of Maple and Richmond Hill and moved to Niagara in 2019. He graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Math/Accountancy and obtained the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation.
When he wasn’t enthusiastically playing hockey or enjoying the outdoors with his golden retriever Charli, Fraser enjoyed spending time at a cottage on Koshlong Lake and touring the wineries of Niagara.
OCAD U extends its sincere condolences to Fraser’s family, friends and colleagues, especially in the University’s Finance Department. The University is planning to recognize Fraser at a later date; more details will follow.
