Jim Fraser, dubbed 'Grand Geezer', continues swinging his racquet four days a week at Westwood Tennis Club, serving as the club's oldest member. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

unstoppable

‘Grand Geezer’ Nanaimo tennis player regularly swinging racquet at 92-years-old

Oct 1, 2025 | 5:38 AM

NANAIMO — He’s approaching his mid 90’s, but possesses a lethal forehand and undeniably sharp wit.

Jim Fraser, originally from North Vancouver but now residing in Parksville, is affectionately known around Westwood Tennis Club as ‘Grand Geezer’.

The club’s oldest player forms a key part of a small group of players who hit the courts upwards of four times weekly for intense two-hour sessions.

Fraser told NanaimoNewsNOW he started playing tennis in his mid-50s, at the insistence of his son, and it’s become a huge part of his life, though he freely admits he wished he’d taken up something much less addictive, “like cocaine”.

“I lost my wife five years ago, so this fills in a lot of time. The support of this bunch right here, the encouragement that I’ve always got in this club, even when I started at 56, which you can understand was a bit of a hurdle to overcome. But, a lot of encouragement, and so years later, I’m still here.

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Barnabas Walther (left), Margaret Walker (centre-left), Jim Fraser (centre-right) and Rob Harrison (right) congratulate each other after another hard fought set at Westwood Tennis Club on Monday, Sept. 29. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

“This bunch” are the other ‘Geezers’: Rob Harrison, Barnabas Walther, Kerry Southorn, Margaret Walker and a shortlist of others.

Most of ‘The Geezers’, a name Walther lays claim to creating, are north of 70, with Fraser, Harrison (75) and Walther (73) playing most frequently.

The familiarity and friendship is part of Fraser’s addiction to the sport.

“Probably 10 years now,” Fraser said, when asked how long he’d been playing with the group. “There was another one that I played singles with a bit, he played until 90, and then we had one other that did all the artwork around here, he played until his 90s too, I’m not unique.”

Fraser credits his longevity in the sport, and life in general, to a simple philosophy of “a third, a third and a third”.

“I must have fair genes, secondly is the environment we live in, in Nanaimo. We’re not sucking up air like Beijing, where it takes eight years off your life and then the camaraderie…not a bad life.”

Jim Fraser delivers a serve during play on Monday, Sept. 29, with his doubles partner Rob Harrison (left) ready at the net.(Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Harrison said playing against Fraser, who will turn 93 in May, is an adventure every time.

Even into his 90s, Fraser’s shots are as good as someone half his age.

“He’s an absolute inspiration, he’s amazing,” Harrison said. “He shoots up the alley like you wouldn’t believe, I’ll guard one way and he’ll be hitting it behind me, he’s got great ball control, it’s amazing.”

Off the court, the group are stalwarts at the club overlooking Westwood Lake, so much so drinks were waiting for them at a clubhouse table after their Monday, Sept. 29 session.

“We’ve developed friendships,” Harrison added. “The companionship is extremely important to all of us, and it’s a great support group. When I retired, I missed going to the office every day, and now this is like coming to the office every day.”

It’s the support which keeps the ‘Geezers’ together, growing stronger each time.

Walker joked she’s not quite a ‘Geezer’ yet, not being in her 70s, but was proud to be part of the team.

“Three years ago when I joined the club, I had just moved to Nanaimo, and [club staff] introduced me to Rob right away, just to be a spare…the rest is history. When I was going through some medical issues, I’ve just finished my chemotherapy, they’ve been so supportive for me.”

The group plays rain or shine, taking advantage of the indoor facilities at the club on wet days.

Balls are hit every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, with the exception of New Year’s Day and a half session on Christmas Day.

‘The Geezers’ including Fraser (left), Harrison (centre-left), Walther (centre-right) and Kerry Southorn (right). (submitted photo)

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