Dr. Charles Edward Ovid Fraser, a beloved member of the community, passed away on Friday, June 14, 2024, at the age of 97. He resided in Marlborough and was previously a resident of Southborough for 30 years, where he established and operated the Southborough Veterinary Hospital for 26 years.
Born in Guyana, South America to Newton and Jane E. Fraser. Ovid was a devoted husband to Madeline for an impressive 67 years.
Ovid is survived by his loving family, including his sons Garth and his wife Rhonda, Paris and his partner Kathleen Webber, his daughter Natalie, as well as his grandchildren Paris, Olivia, Gavin, and Hunter. Additionally, he leaves behind his cherished great-grandchildren Morgan and Wiley. Ovid is also remembered fondly by his close family friend, Frank Lupafya and his wife Tendai, and many nieces and nephews.
His interest in veterinary medicine was nurtured at an early age by his grandfather. His future career began to take shape when he was awarded a scholarship to study veterinary medicine at the University of Liverpool.
After graduating in 1957, Ovid’s solid foundation in veterinary studies equipped him with the necessary skills and knowledge to begin his career as a veterinarian.
He practiced veterinary medicine for three years in Guyana before going to the University of Edinburgh and earning a diploma in Tropical Veterinary Medicine in 1960. Following this, Ovid was granted a scholarship to the University of Wisconsin, where he earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology in 1966.
Upon graduation, Ovid moved to Southborough, Massachusetts to work for the School of Public Health at Harvard University, where he held the position of associate professor. During his time at Harvard, he performed years of research and received many awards. In 1973, he left Harvard to open the Southborough Veterinary Hospital.
Beyond his veterinary practice, Ovid was an active Rotarian and environmentalist. He became a Rotarian in 1968 and served as President from 1974 to 1975. During his time as a Rotarian, he was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship. His passion for environmental causes led him to spearhead and celebrate the first Earth Day, leaving a lasting impact on environmental advocacy and awareness in the town of Southborough.
Ovid was a published author in over seventy scientific journals and textbooks. His groundbreaking work and innovative spirit led to the ownership of two patents: one for Vitaglow, a supplement for healthier skin and coats for dogs and cats, and the second for a portable surgical table. In 1999, he was honored as the Businessman of the Year by the Southborough Business Association, recognizing his significant contributions to animal care and welfare.
Ovid’s warm smile, kind heart, and compassionate nature will be deeply missed by his loving family, friends, colleagues, and clients whose lives he touched.
Visiting hours to honor and remember Ovid will be held on Monday, June 24, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Morris-Johnston Funeral Home located at 40 Main St, Southborough, MA 01772. The funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, July 20th, at 10:00 AM at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, located at 27 Main St, Southborough, MA 01772.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ovid’s memory to the MetroWest Humane Society (https://metrowesthumanesociety.org).
(Photo and Obituary via Morris-Johnston Funeral Home)
Updated (6/21/24 8:35 am): The funeral home notified me that the calling hours were extended to 7:00 pm on Monday. (Originally, it was listed as until 6:00 pm.)
