Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Ed Frape made quite an impression on those who knew him in his later years, in Campbellford. My late wife Jan Wybourn and I were made aware of him at a number of public meetings, where he was not shy in expressing his opinion of the proceedings! He was often near the front of meetings, with our late neighbour Roy Streeter, and the sight of them must have given the then-mayor pause! We got to know Ed much better from 2013 onwards. It seems he always had a cat, Smoky (or Smokie), and he would house- and cat-sit for us when we were away (less often, we were able to return the favour). We would trade meals, our houses being some 50 yards apart, and learn of his long-ago time in the Guards (the Blues and Royals) at Buckingham Palace, Windsor and elsewhere. He corresponded with past officers of that era. On one occasion, Ed was on guard duty and brought a shiny car to a halt. Down rolled the window and it was Prince Philip. Expecting a reprimand, Ed was complimented for his dedicated service. We met him a while after his retirement from the Toronto Transit Commission, where he drove two of three modes of transport: subway trains and especially buses, but not streetcars. Numerous folk beside me will remember Ed fondly, such as Jan's brother Rob Wybourn, neighbour Paul Smith, Susie of No Frills, Harold the hairdresser, Bernie the handyman and more. Rest in Peace, Ed.
