June 21, 1922 – August 6, 2009
The Colonel has joined his beloved RMC, PPCLI and RRegtC comrades. His wife of 61 years, Margaret (nee Cabeldu) is comforted by their children Norman, Janet, Catherine and their 7 grandchildren. He is survived by his brother, Robert and sister, Vyvyan. Many thanks to Dr. A. Nielson, Sunrise, RJH Richmond Pavilion and the Lodge at Broadmead. Although born in St. John’s, his father’s career in the Bank of Nova Scotia took them across Canada for his education at Nutana Collegiate in Saskatoon and later Saint John High School. The abbreviated 1942 RMC officer’s course sent “2761” with the PPCLI to Italy and the Netherlands. Twice wounded in action, the miraculous Basingstoke surgery held for a lifetime. After marrying Margaret in Saint John, they moved to Toronto where he graduated from Osgoode Hall in 1949 and they started a family. He practiced law with Tilley Carson but later opened his own firm in 1953 achieving Queen’s Counsel in 1960. Partner and friend, Alan Redway joined the practice in 1966. In 1947 he began a reservist career with the Royal Regiment of Canada. His years as Commanding Officer 1959-62 rebuilt the regiment. In 1981 as Hon. Col. 1974-1982 they attended the Royal Wedding. Beyond his lifelong service to the PPCI and RMC, he served Mercedes Benz, Havergal College, and the Royal Canadian Military Institute. After the Granite Club moved closer to their Bayview Wood home, Col. Frost regularly reviewed the dining room menu from his usual seat. He revisited the graves of his WWII comrades on many pilgrimages and cherished his European friendships. In his retirement years he wrote Once a Patricia (1988), A Life Worthwhile (1994) and Always a Patricia (2004). They loved playing tennis, swimming and hosting family in Long Boat Key and PEI. Striving for excellence was his lifelong pursuit as an athlete, soldier, lawyer, author or musician. He was astonished when bands played his military marches and delighted his grandchildren by composing songs.
Private burial in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Toronto.
A Celebration of the life of Col. C. S. (Syd) Frost will be held on Saturday, October 3 at 3:00 pm at the Royal Canadian Military Institute, 426 University Ave, Toronto, ON. tel: 416-597-0286.
31 Responses
HCol Frost was the man behind the Regiment. He was the embodiment of The Royal Regiment of Canada. My first two decades in the Regiment were very much the social centre of my life to a great degree because of him. With him passes an era when the Militia was both a military and a privilaged social lifestyle.
I transferred to the Royal Regiment of Canada when I arrived in Toronto and Colonel Frost was my first Commanding Officer during my many years with the Regiment.
As Commanding Officer of the Regiment and later as Honourary Colonel, Colonel Frost will always be remembered not just for his contribution and dedication to Canada but also to those who served with him.
The Regimental Band were honoured to accompany Colonel Frost in 1971 to Cyprus for Canada Day Celebrations and medal presentations to the PPCLI.
Forever fond memories of Colonel Frost will continue to be with the band thanks to the military music compositions he has left us for the enjoyment of all.
Mrs Frost, to you and your family our sincerest condolences.
We have lost a treasured member of our Regimental family. Colonel Syd’s superb books will be a lasting treasure for all Patricias’ for years to come.
To the Family of Col Frost,
On behalf of The Royal Regiment of Canada, please accept our deepest condolences. While I personally never had the honour of meeting Col Frost, I have heard of his distinguished career and his many significant contributions to The Royals.
Ready, Aye, Ready,
Blake C. Goldring
Anne & I have been friends of the Frost Family for over 60 years. Mr. & Mrs Frost senior came to most Regimental functions. Syd sr. served in Toronto with the 2nd. Btn of the Royals while Syd jr. was overseas with the PPCLI. Our kindest thoughts at this saddened time go to Margaret, Robert, Vyvyan, Norman, Janet, and Catherine. Leaders are not born but are molded over many years, Syd was not only a leader but a great mentor to me. “RIP” Col. BOB
I was deeply saddened to learn of Colonel Syd’s passing. As Honorary Colonel he was long an institution at Royals’ ceremonial events and mess dinners and his love of both of ‘his’ Regiments was clearly boundless. At our last meeting in 2004, he enthusiastically agreed to autograph a copy of “Always a Patricia” for my fellow Staff College students and I to present to our Course Student Leader, a Patricia himself, Malcolm Bruce. Ever the spry, ‘can-do’ officer, he declined my offer to bring it to him and drove up the hill to the College, natily-dressed in blazer and flannels. I shall treasure the memory of having known him. May he rest in peace.
It was with great sadness that I read of Syd’s passing; but oh so proud his family must be of the life he has led and the people he has touched. I served in the Patricias from 1983 until 2006 and although we never met in person, we developed a close relationship through correspondence while I was serving as the Regimental Major (01-06). I even had the privilege of proofreading “Always a Patricia” and he wanted to give me the honour of representing him in a ceremony in Sicily (at his expense!) That was the type of great man he was. He will be missed, and although I know it will be said often in his regard, ‘Once a Patricia, Always a Patricia.’
Margaret,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family on the death of Sydney. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sue Williams
I was saddened to learn of the departure from this life of Col. Frost. He and my former Commanding Officer, Forbes. B. West were very close collegues and their relationship was of a great benefit to both The Ïrish”and The Royal Regiment of Canada. His dedication to The Canadian Forces has and will be remembered for all time. May He Rest in Peace. Ron. Duke
It was my pleasure to have served with Colonel Frost. I had the very good fortune to have been the Regimental Sergeant Major when he was the Honourary Colonel. My condolences to Mrs. Margaret Frost (the Honourary Warrent Officer of her Regiment) and to all members of the Frost family. The Colonel was a great influance to many members of the Royal Regiment of Canada and it was my honour and my pleasure to have served with him and to have known him as a great leader both in his military and civilian careers. He will be missed by all who served with him over his many years of fine military service. We will remember him.