George Loran Frazier, 82
“No greater man on earth” is a phrase that has been used to describe our George “Loran” Frazier, who opened the gates to heaven July 5th at St. Joseph Medical Center after a courageous fight against cancer. Loran was 82 years of age, living in Polson with his wife, Marilyn, of 58 years. He started his journey on earth on August 20, 1934 in Dillon, Montana, the proud baby boy of George and Bertha Frazier. He embraced growing up on their ranch in Twin Bridges with his sisters Mary Ellen (deceased) and Sandra Pfau (husband Ron). Twin Bridges High School basketball, track and football (state Championship 1953) saw at a young age what Loran was all about – exceptional, impactful, thoughtful, loving, humble, caring, fast, patient, kind, witty, and he could make clutch free throws!!
After graduating from the University of Montana, Loran served a stint in the U.S. Army as a medic then the master’s program at Western Montana College. He married Marilyn Bogut July 8, 1959 and started teaching and coaching in Malta, Montana, Oroville, Washington, then settled in Whitehall, Montana before starting the Montana Migrant Children’s Education Program. Loran’s next challenge was serving as Assistant Director, then as the Director of the Vocational Technical Center in Helena/Great Falls. He then went on to serve as the Assistant Superintendent of Great Falls Public Schools, and concluded his public service in education as the Executive Director for School Administrators of Montana. Additionally he came out of retirement to serve as an education advisor in Governor Martz’s administration.
He enjoyed spending time golfing, hunting and fishing with his sons, seeing his grandkids, attending Griz football games, tending to his roses and singing in the church choir.
Loran is survived by his wife Marilyn, sons: Loran (wife: Laurie) and Steve (fiancée: Caren), sister Sandi, grandsons: Eric, Grant (wife: Grace), and Riley Frazier, and granddaughter Morgan Frazier (mother: Caty Colberg), great-granddaughter Brooke Frazier, brothers-in-law: Jack (wife: Joni) and Don Bogut (wife: Emily), nieces Revae and Leigh Bostwick, Brenda Kitto, Brenda and Lisa Bogut, Angie Williamson, nephews Scott and John Bogut and many close extended members of the family.
Memorial services are July 29, Polson Community Church, 1 p.m. and August 5, Twin Bridges Senior Center, 1 p.m. Donations can be sent to: Team UP Montana, 502 West Spruce, Missoula MT 59802, 406-327-3128. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com. Arrangements are under the direction of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson.