C. Sydney Frost
Charles Sydney Frost | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Argyle, Nova Scotia, Canada |
| Died | April 15, 1985 (aged 91) Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Occupation | Banker |
| Years active | 1908–1958 |
| Known for | President of the Bank of Nova Scotia (1956–1958) |
Charles Sydney Frost (27 November 1893 – 15 April 1985) was a prominent Canadian banker who held the position of president at the Bank of Nova Scotia between 1956 and 1958.
Frost's banking journey commenced in 1908 in Yarmouth, after which he moved to St. John's, Newfoundland in 1914 to work as an accountant. His career was interrupted by World War I, during which he served with the Royal Newfoundland Regiment in France and was awarded the Military Cross. Following the war, he returned to banking, taking on the role of branch manager in Newfoundland.
Throughout his career, Frost occupied several managerial posts across Canada: assistant manager in Winnipeg (1926), manager in Saskatoon (1931) and Saint John (1938), as well as supervisory roles in Toronto and Saint John during the early 1940s. In 1946, he transitioned to Scotiabank's Toronto head office as assistant general manager, advancing to general manager by 1949. His ascent continued with appointments as director in 1950, vice-president in 1951, executive vice-president in 1954, culminating in his presidency starting in 1956. He stepped down from this role in December 1958 and passed away in Toronto on 15 April 1985.
Early life
Frost was born in Argyle, Nova Scotia, and received his education at Yarmouth Academy.
Career
Beginning his tenure at the Bank of Nova Scotia as a junior clerk in Yarmouth (1908), Frost relocated to St. John's to serve as an accountant (1914). He enlisted with the Royal Newfoundland Regiment the same year and demonstrated valor during World War I, earning the Military Cross.
After the war, he resumed his banking profession as branch manager in Fogo, Newfoundland (1919), then advanced to assistant manager in St. John's (1921). His career progression included key managerial assignments: assistant manager in Winnipeg (1926), manager in Saskatoon (1931), manager in Saint John (1938), and supervisory duties spanning Toronto and Saint John (1941–46). Joining the head office staff in 1946, he rose through ranks from assistant general manager to general manager (1949), director (1950), vice-president (1951), executive vice-president (1954), ultimately serving as president from 1956 until 1958.
Personal life and recognition
Frost married Gertrude Rebecca Hains (1895–1982) on 1 July 1921. The couple had three children: Charles Sydney Jr. (1922–2009), Robert Judson (1927–2012), and Vyvyan Elaine (1934–2011). He died in Toronto on 15 April 1985 and was laid to rest at Mount Pleasant Cemetery.
In tribute to his legacy, Victoria Park in Yarmouth was renamed Frost Park in 1958.
Works
Frost, C. Sydney. A Blue Puttee at War: The Memoir of Captain Sydney Frost, MC. Flanker Press, 2014.