Clyde L. Friar

Colonel Clyde L. Friar, retired military scientist and long-time Kailua resident, died at home on May 5, 2011, at the age of 88. Colonel Friar held a Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and was a graduate of Senior Army Command, Staff and War Colleges. In 1961, he was the US Army Nuclear Defense adviser to Governor Quinn for Hawaii and the Pacific. He served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, earning numerous decorations including the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Clusters. Colonel Friar was an expert in military Chemical and Biological (CB) research, development and production. Early in his career he held key positions at Fort Detrick, Md. and at Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Colo. He was the Director of CB Defense Laboratories, Edgewood Arsenal, Md. from 1965-1968. In the late 1960's when President Nixon banned biological warfare, he was Commanding Officer at Pine Bluff Arsenal, Ark., and was instrumental in converting the facilities to peacetime uses. Clyde Friar lived in Kailua, Hawaii since his retirement from the Army in 1975. He worked briefly in real estate, then from 1977-83 was an actor and extra for Hawaii Five-0, Magnum P.I., and many other films and commercials. He was consistently active in volunteer work with the American Cancer Society and other services benefiting both the civilian and military community. Clyde was married for many years to Connie Friar, mother of his three children, until her passing in 1985. His son Larry passed away in 1968. He is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Darnelle, formerly of Little Rock, Ark.; daughter, Jill Frost; son David Friar; and three grandchildren, Diana, David and Keiko. Other close family include his daughter-in-law Pam Matsuda Friar; step-son, Joe Gentry; and children-in-law Jack Frost and Pam Gentry. The family requests no flowers. Memorial gifts may be given in his name to the Disabled American Veterans, with information found at www.dav.org. Services will be private, but the family wishes to extend their aloha and gratitude to Clyde's many friends.