Remembering Austin Frazer: Rallying legend and inspirational figure"

This was the heartfelt tribute of son, Nigel Frazer, who spoke of his father’s endearing influence following his passing on Thursday last.

A well-known figure in both local and international rallying circles, Mr. Frazer worked alongside rallying greats including Fermanagh’s Bertie Fisher, with whom he enjoyed several historic wins including the Ulster Rally victory in 1982 and the Donegal International Rally in 1987.

Late of Loughshore Road, Enniskillen, Mr. Frazer was also a much-respected figure in Enniskillen Motor Club, serving as president for 33 years, while also taking a major hand in organising the world-famous Donegal Rally.

Mr. Frazer was laid to rest at Cross Cemetery on Sunday, January 27 following a heartfelt funeral service at Enniskillen Presbyterian Church, where friends, former colleagues and rallying associates turned out to pay their respects. At the close of the service, members of Castle Hume Golf Club, another great love of Mr. Frazer’s, formed a guard of honour.

As a forward-thinking sportsman with an organisational streak, he became a founding member of Castle Hume Golf Club and also served as Captain and President.

Nigel Frazer said his late father had a “massive influence” on so many.

“He has been very inspirational to me, and I saw him as my role model,” Nigel said. “He was a role model to so many, in both rallying and life.

“He was incredibly organised and a perfectionist, and this was a key element in his success. In terms of both organising and competing, he was one of the best out there.”

Mr. Frazer was born in Cookstown in 1939, attending primary school in his hometown and secondary school in Magherafelt.

He registered as a student in Pharmacy in 1956, studying at Belfast College of Technology. There he met a girl, Doreen, who would become his wife.

Qualifying in 1963, he took up employment at Fivemiletown, which paved the way for a job at Mullan Pharmacy in Darling Street, Enniskillen.

He enjoyed a distinguished career, eventually being appointed as pharmacy manager in both the Erne and Tyrone County Hospitals until his retirement in 1999.

However, while Mr. Frazer was well-regarded in his profession, he was even better known for his exploits in the world of motorsport.

Austin Frazer celebrates with Bertie Fisher following their legendary win at the Donegal International Rally in 1987.

Passing his driving test in 1957, Mr. Frazer competed in his first rally in 1959 as a co-driver.

By the early seventies, his motorsport knowledge and organisational skills were in demand, and Donegal Motor Club approached him intending to run an International rally. The current success of the Donegal Rally is a lasting testament to this successful collaboration.

Major highs were also experienced on the track.

Switching from organiser to competitor, he won the Donegal Rally in 1977 alongside Billy Coleman.

Speaking on his father’s rallying prowess, Nigel said: “My father experienced many competitive highlights during his career. Arguably his biggest win was the Circuit of Ireland Rally in 1974, alongside Cathal Curley.

“He also enjoyed a legendary partnership with Bertie Fisher, experiencing his first international at the 1982 Ulster Rally, and later at Donegal in 1987. He had a lot of success with Bertie.

“He finished up with Bertie in late 1989 and began to wind down his competitive rallying. He continued to be involved in Enniskillen Motor Club, as well as bits and pieces with Rally Ireland in 2005 and 2007.”

Nigel explained that Enniskillen Motor Club always held a particular place in his late father’s heart. He was a major driving force when the club was reforming in 1964, and served as President for 33 years. For his efforts, he was named the club’s first Honorary Member in 2018.

“My father’s approach to rallying, work and life was much admired, especially by myself,” Nigel continued.

“He was also instrumental in my own rallying career. He was my first driver, which allowed me to get to grips with navigation.

“That was his only venture into the driver’s seat, which lasted for a year or two. I still rally to this day because of his influence.”

Mr. Frazer was a much-loved husband of Doreen, a devoted father of Nigel (Gail), a dear brother of Joan, and a cherished grandfather of Jamie, Jessica, Zac, Sebastian, and Oscar. Funeral arrangements by Keith Elliott, W.T. Morrison Funeral Directors.