Charles “Chad” Clarke Frost, aged 75, died peacefully on June 3, 2020 after a long battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). While PSP gradually diminished his body’s ability to function, it never took his fighting spirit and the desire to be with his loving family. He is preceded in death by his parents Barbara Clarke Frost and Ruben Ewing Frost. He is survived by his wife Mary Gorthy Frost and William Frost, Blake Iwaniw (Heidi Ellsworth, fiance), Anna Frost and Tony Frost (children). He is also survived by his three siblings, Barbara “Stormy” E. Frost, Sandra Frost Steensma (Ron) and Thomas H. Frost (Cheri), brother-in-law, James Gorthy (Theresa), sister in law Sarah Nailor (Jon), Serena Runions (John), Angel Gold, Kristen Gresh (Michael), Sarah Frost, Amanda Nailor, Emily Nailor (nieces) and Andrew Frost (nephew), seven great nieces and nephews and mother-in-law, Muriel Gorthy. And, he is survived by close family friend and work associate, Jose Alvarez (Ana) and their lovely daughters Lucia and Gabriela.
Chad graduated from University of Michigan with a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering and went on to be President of C.L. Frost and Sons, later renamed Frost, Inc. He is the fourth generation to guide Frost Inc., a Grand Rapids, MI based company that celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 2015. Frost Inc, founded by Chad’s great-grandfather Charles Leonard Frost, initially produced brass fixtures for furniture manufacturers. During Chad’s tenure, the company helped to usher in the age of automation and diversified its products and markets. In 1985, Chad was recognized for his efforts by the Small Business Association of Michigan as its Innovation Advocate of the Year.
While success in business is part of Chad’s legacy, his family and his extended family were the center of his life. He enjoyed traveling with Blake, adored watching his daughter, Anna, play soccer and basketball and enjoyed many hours with his son, Tony. The extended family regularly gathers for Holidays, birthdays and often travels together. Chad loved these family times and they have provided all of us with many, many poignant and often humorous memories.
Chad’s life was the very definition of a life lived large. He traveled extensively for work and pleasure, enjoyed helicopter skiing, golf and he even climbed Mount Kilimanjaro with Blake. Favorite places included Paris where he proposed to his wife Mary, the Turks and Caicos Islands where he and his family celebrates New Year’s each year, Barcelona and Mackinac Island.
The immediate family gathered on Saturday, June 6 for private viewing and burial. A celebration of Chad’s life will be held later when family and friends can travel and share the time together. Memorials can be made to CurePSP, 1216 Broadway, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10001 or to Hospice of Michigan. The family would like to thank the many people that have reached out to provide comfort and support and especially thanks Brianna, Tammi and Tina for their loving care.
7 Responses
We celebrate Chad’s life well lived and are thankful he found “his Mary.” Our hearts are with you always. Sending lots of hugs and love. The Wright Family – Mary, Bill, Bill the third, George and Ashleigh
Sorry for your lost. Our prayers are with you,
My Condolences, Mary , Anna, and Tony. Chad will be sorely missed. Sorry The girls and I could not be there at this time. Sarah will be our representative..
Chad, you will always be imprinted in my mind, having the opportunity to spend so many good times together.
Mary, Anna, and Tony
I am thinking about you many times a day and praying for you in your deepest sorrow. Chad was a wonderful man, husband, father, and friend. He is already missed by everyone who knew and loved him. I have many fond memories of his larger than life personality, his generous love for others, and his sense of humor. I recall several evenings when Chad and Jim drank in excess, especially when Drambui was involved.
I know this is a difficult time for all of you. Losing my mother earlier this year still brings tears to my eyes often. Healing from your loss will be a long process. The pain will never disappear completely, but it will lessen with time. I love you and will continue to keep you in my prayers
Love, Teresa Mullins-Gorthy
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Frost Family. Chad was a great man and friend.
We will miss you Chad. You were the Brother I never had. You have gone on to a place no one returns and we can not follow for now. We will miss that twinkle in your eye and your laughter. You are now at peace and your struggles are now over. You will always be a part of our lives and in our memories. What we do for ourselves is gone when we go but what we do for others will live on and you will live on with all of the lives you have touched and made a difference. Until we meet again Brother peace be with you.