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Barrie FROST Obituary

DR. BARRIE FROST In loving memory of Dr. Barrie James Frost, PhD, FRSC of Kingston, Ontario who passed away peacefully on October 4, 2018 at the age of 79 at Providence Care Hospital in Kingston after a courageous battle with cancer. Survived by his wife of 52 years, Virginia (Peters) Frost; and their three sons, Andrew (Stephanie), Tim (Shawna) and Hugh (Sheila); and their grandchildren, Megan, Ethan, Hannah, Evan, Cameron and Aidan; and niece, Allison Mahan. Predeceased by his parents, Alfred Frost and Jessie (Collett) Frost; his sister, Yvonne (Frost) Mahan; niece, Julie (Mahan) Batt all from Nelson, New Zealand. Barrie was born and raised in Nelson, New Zealand. He completed his teacher's certificate in Christchurch, NZ in 1959, followed by a BA at University of Canterbury in 1961, an MA (hons) at the University of Canterbury in 1964. Barrie moved to Sydney, Australia where he was a lecturer at the University of Sydney prior to moving to Canada to pursue his PhD at Dalhousie University. He completed his postdoctoral fellowship at University of California, Berkeley prior to moving to Queen's University in 1969, where he continued his teaching and research for 49 years. Barrie spent his lifetime as a pioneer in Neuroscience research, having published over 100 articles in scientific journals and with an illustrious career that was recognized internationally through many fellowships and awards. He received fellowships at the Royal Society of Canada, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Canadian Psychological Association, and American Association for the Advancement of Science. His awards included the Hebb Award, Max Bell Fellowship, Alexander von Humboldt Forschungspreis, Erskine Fellow, NSERC Award of Excellence in Research, the Queen's Alumni Prize for Excellence in Teaching, and the Queen's University Prize for Excellence in Research. Barrie was an emeritus professor in Psychology, Biology and Physiology, and loved research and collaborating with other scientists. He continued to work internationally on research projects, until shortly before his death. Barrie was not only an acclaimed scientist and educator, but he was an incredible husband, father, grandfather and uncle. He delighted in his family and friends and enjoyed sharing his love of discovery with everyone. He was a gifted storyteller, sage advisor, and trusted friend to all. We miss him dearly. A celebration of life will be scheduled in the near future. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to; University Hospitals Kingston Foundation directed to either The Cancer Centre of South Eastern Ontario or Palliative Care at Providence Care Hospital, or donate to the charity of your choice.

Published by The Globe and Mail from Oct. 6 to Oct. 10, 2018.

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8 Entries

I just discovered this very sad news! I was just recommending a potential student to google Barrie's name at Queen's and this obituary popped up. I only just talked to Barrie a year ago about vision and/or hearing in birds. He and I shared a grad student working on hearing in owls. Barrie was an amazing scientist who often thought outside the box with a rather child-like enthusiasm and curiosity. I am so sorry to hear of his battle with cancer; I hope that he at least did not suffer much. Wow, 79...way too young. My deepest sympathies to his family and close friends!
--- Dr. David M. Bird, Emeritus Professor of Wildlife Biology at McGill University

David Bird

July 16, 2019

Dear Ginny and family,

So sorry to hear of your loss - as one of Barrie's last students I feel so privledged to have spent so much time with him talking about - well, absolutely everything. He will continue to remain one of the single most positive influences on my life since I came to Canada almost twenty years ago and studied with him. Our daily debates and story telling sessions will always be cherished - which always featured humorous and loving stories of each of you. I am better for having known him and I will deeply miss him.

Kris Garlick

October 11, 2018

Ginny, Andrew, Tim & Hugh and families,
So sorry to hear of Barry's passing. Hold on to your lovely memories. Thinking of you all. Love Jan Barnett

Jan Barnett

October 10, 2018

Jan Barnett

October 10, 2018

Ginny was so sorry to hear about Barrie. Such a vital man full of energy and life and making a difference. I am sure he will be much missed by all his family. Love Adrienne, Roger and family.

Adrienne Ward-Hamilton

October 6, 2018

I cannot imagine what all of you are going through. Some people are larger than life and Barrie was one of them. Having met him, I feel sad at his loss, too. I send my deep condolences.


Sharon S.

October 6, 2018

Our deepest condolences to the whole Frost family. Dr. Frost had an important influence on my professional life through one simple advice he shared once at the kids' soccer pitch. He was a great example to our children. He was instantly loved by anyone who met him.

Zlata and Ron Huddleston

October 6, 2018

Our thoughts are with you Ginny and family. He was a lovely, lovely man and will be deeply missed. Hugs from Brad, Dionne and the girls

October 6, 2018

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