Mark Fraser, a Waterloo region school board trustee candidate, has died

A candidate running for Waterloo Region District School Board trustee in this month's Ontario municipal elections has died.

Mark Fraser, 45, was aiming to represent the Townships of Woolwich and Wellesley. An online obituary says he died on Sept. 29 when he had a heart attack after playing hockey with friends.

Fraser leaves behind his wife and three children. He is predeceased by one of his children.

"He injected his confidence, loyalty and bravery into the souls of his three amazing children," the obituary says, noting he had an "unwavering dedication to his family."

He had a passion for youth hockey and recently started volunteering with the Kitchener Minor Hockey Association.

Fraser also volunteered with the Trinity Anglican Cemetery for 14 years. It's a 178-year-old private cemetery on Blenheim Roadin Cambridge.

"Mark had such a gift for making people feel special, loved and important. His ability to bring people together will forever keep us connected," the obituary said.

A funeral at Henry Walser Funeral Home in Kitchener is scheduled for Friday.

Election to continue

In a surveyhe filled out for CBC Kitchener-Waterloo about his candidacy, Fraser said he was seeking election because "I want to see students given the best opportunities to learn and succeed."

"As a child I have fond memories of my public school experience.I want the same experiences and opportunities for our children," he said.

"I have lived in Waterloo region all my life. I spend most of my spare time coaching youth sports in the region. I love bringing a group of kids together and helping them reach their full potential, and as a group, our shared goals."

The Townships of Woolwich and Wellesley issued a newsrelease to announce Fraser's death, sayingthe election will continue because there are still four candidates.

Fraser's name will be removed from the Internet and telephone ballots in Wellesley and Woolwich. Woolwich will also remove his name from paper ballots and signs at voting sites will let voters know he has died.

The remaining four candidates for the Oct. 24 voteare:

• Jen Burkholder.
• Gerhard Ens.
• Fred Meissner.
• Zach Smith.