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
Mrs. Frost, Cathy, Janet and Norm:
My sincere condolences to you on the loss of your husband and father. Although we had not seen each other in years, I often shared recollections of my friendship with Syd to RMC Ex Cadet and military colleagues. As a junior officer I often found myself in your home, and cherish those memories.
After completing Army Pilot training I was “marking time” as an instructor at the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps School, Camp Borden and awaiting posting to The Fort Garry Horse in Germany (mid ’60s) I was tasked to organize and supervise the escorts for the Miss Canada Pageant. After a committee meeting at the RCMI, I met, was befriended and mentored by Syd, joined the RCMI on his recommendation (actually an order) and subsequently was invited to numerous social functions by Syd.
I enjoyed our numerous chats as our friendship grew. Because the FGH shared Battle Honours with the Royal Regiment of Canada, Syd invited me to the Regimental Birthday, luncheons and mess dinners both before and following my tour of duty in Europe and any celebrations that honoured the PPCLI or infantry. I was a singer and song leader and with Syd at the keyboard it took no effort to get the others to join in around Syd’s piano whether in his home, the mess, the RCMI or elsewhere. I watched and participated in learning life, social, military and mentorship skills taught by Syd to junior officers. (As an Officer Cadet at Royal Roads, my Squadron Commander was Syd’s brother Bob.)
What a great time we had. What wonderful memories I have of our relationship and the warmth of his friendship. He made sure that I and all junior officers were made to feel comfortable at any event which we attended – and he opened his home to all of us, who at the time were junior officers. We shared stories of our respective Regiments and he provided substance to Canadian military history through his knowledge and personal experiences. I learned a great deal of Army and RMC history through him and was encouraged to get more involved with the Ex Cadet Club.
His passing marks the loss of a great gentleman, Ex Cadet, officer and friend. I am grateful for having known him and for having shared some moments of his life.
May God grant his soul eternal rest
Digger
Ottawa
My sincere condolences to Mrs. Frost and family. I met Colonel Frost through his book, Once a Patricia. He was in the PPCLI with my Dad, Bud Auger, who was also in Scotland and the Italian campaign and mentored Syd as a young officer. I contacted Syd to learn more about Dad, who disappeared from our lives soon after the war. Syd sent warm letters and photos of their time overseas and we kept in touch at Christmases after that. He was a kind and generous man. I was especially saddened to learn that he was here in Victoria and I could have visited him at Sunrise and met him face to face. Farewell, Syd. The angels are singing.
My deepest sympathy to you mrs Frost and your family on the death of my good friend Sidney Frost. He was a liberator from Holland my home country and special home city Apeldoorn. Sidney was in 2000 the paradecommandor of “The National Liberation Parade in Apeldoorn”. Sidney makes special songs like “Goodby wonderful Holland” on his piano in Toronto for the people in Holland. I know Sidney since 1984 and visit his home in Toronto many times – Sidney was a great man a great soldier but most of all a great Friend for me
Jan H.A. Koorenhof M.S.M. Apeldoorn Holland
Mrs. Frost and family:
We were saddened to hear the loss of your husband and father. Everyone who provided his care, all our staff, and his fellow residents that enjoyed his impromptu performances at the piano will miss his presence. We feel privileged to have known The Colonel.
Our sincerest condolences, from The Team Members and Management of Sunrise Senior Living, Victoria
Mrs. Frost, Cathy, Janet and Norm:
My sincere condolences to you on the loss of your husband and father.
Theresa
Regret the passing of my good friend and classmate
2784 Jock McNeil
As a teenager during the 1970s I knew Syd as one of the important personalities who visited Fort York Armoury. Later I discovered his influence as an RMC Ex-Cadet, RCMI Member and army reserve officer. A great man. Thank you for your service Syd.
I met Sydney only once, but remember clearly the pleasure of meeting such a fine officer and gentleman. It was at his brother Bob’s home in Broadmead, and it was through Bob — a friend for over 50 years — that I gained an understanding of Sydney’s outstanding army record and his many and varied accomplishments in the years following the war.
I would like to extend my sympathy to the family.
I became a Sergeant when Colonel Frost was Honorary Colonel. I still remember to this day the time he and his wife had the Officers, Warrant Officers, and Sergeants over to their house for a reception. This made me as a Sergeant feel that I was a key part of the regimental family. He was a true leader of men. My sympathy to his family on his pasting.
For many years now, each summer I have the pleasure of leading tours through the battlefields of Europe. Last year, I hosted a tour through Sicily and Italy. As I do frequently when we travel, that trip I passed along the perceptions, observations and reflections from interviews with Col. Frost. One memory that stands out for me, was his and the PPCLI’s departure from Scotland to who knew where. Col. Frost said, “They gave us summer clothing, so we figured we were going to North Africa … or maybe Japan!” As history tells us, Col. Frost and his comrades proved they were up for it. We owe the colonel and his generation a great deal … for giving the world a second chance. He and his kind will be missed.
Ted Barris