bout de papier, Vol. 12, No. 3 (1995) — Fall 1995 // Automne 1995, pp. 40–41
Sidney Freifeld, who died in Ottawa on June 23, 1995 in his 85th year, enjoyed a long, varied and productive life. Educated at the University of Toronto and the London School of Economics, he went in the 1930s to Italy where he worked as an economist and statistician, preparing monographs on banking and agricultural trade for, in particular, the International Institute of Agriculture in Rome, the forerunner of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. By 1938 he had moved into journalism, reporting from Rome for the New York Herald Tribune and the London Times, and then from New York for the Toronto Star. During World War II, Sidney refined his press and public relations skills with the American Jewish Committee and the Wartime Information Board. In 1947, he joined the foreign service, starting as Information Officer at the Canadian Consulate General in New York; later he would serve with distinction as Press Officer at our United Nations Mission there. Sidney’s background was of great help to him in the foreign service. As a rare specialist in press, information and public relations, he understood the fourth estate and could handle with confidence even the most sensitive questions.
Sidney wrote clearly, quickly and perceptively. Never at a loss for words, he was adept at finding le mot juste and encouraging others to do the same. Being his coworker was a stimulating experience. Sidney also had good political sense and was a shrewd judge of character; and he was fascinated by all aspects of international affairs. These qualities nourished his intellect and reinforced his dedication during assignments in Ottawa and on postings in Dublin, Mexico City, Montevideo and, ultimately, as Ambassador to Colombia and Ecuador. After retirement, Sidney continued to write. Articles appeared over time in the Globe and Mail, the Gazette and, of course, bout de papier which he served for years as an active member of the Senior Editorial Board. Thirty-two of his articles, old and new, were brought together in his book entitled Undiplomatic Notes, a lively and entertaining collection of tales from the foreign service about people, places and diplomatic predicaments.
Sidney combined his foreign service career with that of the fly fisherman. Both demanded skill, patience and a well developed sense of direction. Sidney Freifeld, a man of integrity and compassion, was a true professional, devoted to his work and to those who worked with him. His interest in and support for the foreign service never flagged. He was a loyal colleague and a good friend.
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Originally published in bout de papier, Vol. 12, No. 3 (1995) — Fall 1995 // Automne 1995, pp. 40–41. Read the rest of this issue →
