He will long be remembered for his honesty, his integrity, and his outgoing nature that gave him the ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

He was passionate not just about his family and friends, but for his chosen profession. Each and every day he strived to make a positive difference in the challenging industry we call ‘hospitality’.

According to his employers, Chris was loyal, genuinely caring and enthusiastic, working every day with a renewed energy and passion.

He was also an extremely fit young man. His sporting prowess ranged from swimming, surfing and cycling to rugby league, union, golf and tennis. He worked out at the gym three or four nights a week after work.

For reasons that are still a mystery, 26-year-old Chris died on the Kokoda Track in New Guinea on April 22 this year.

His preparation for the challenge – to honour both his grandfather and his father – was exceptional. He was touring with Executive Excellence, the highly regarded trekking company that has led dignitaries such as Kevin Rudd and Joe Hockey across the track.

According to his parents, he had “everything going for him, and did everything right”.

As they struggle each day to come to grips with the loss of their only son, Taree’s Ken and Judy Frost are heartened by the outpouring of support for their family.

“We have been quite overwhelmed by the town and the wider community, and Chris’s huge circle of friends,” the Frosts said this week.

But they were totally unprepared for the latest tribute to their son – the creation of the Chris Frost Ambassador Award by the huge Accor hospitality group across Australia.

The award will be made annually to an Accor employee passionate – as Chris was – to the industry and striving to make a positive difference every day.

“Christ Frost was a true hospitality professional,” the award states. “Chris will be remembered for his honesty and his genuine nature that gave him the ability to connect with people from all walks of life.”