A former past president of the Royal Canadian Numismatic Association (RCNA) has received the highest honour that can be bestowed upon an individual by the American Numismatic Association (ANA).
A “shocked” William Waychison stood in disbelief on the podium when ANA President Walter Ostromecki made the announcement during the opening ceremonies of this week’s World’s Fair of Money in Chicago.
William Waychison, right, receives the ANA Presidential Award from President Walter Ostromecki, left. They are surrounded by members of the Canadian numismatic community, including, back from left: Clifford Mishler, France Waychison, Brett Irick, Bill Cross, Dan Gosling and Paul Johnson.
Waychison, the immediate past president of the RCNA, was participating in the ceremony as part of this year’s convention theme, Hands Across the Border, a joint-partnership of the ANA and RCNA to promote each other’s conventions and the hobby.
“The ANA Presidential Award is given, at the discretion of the president, to recognize an individual who works tirelessly behind the scenes for the hobby to make it better overall,” Ostomecki later told Canadian Coin News (CCN).
“Bill is one of those guys that gives very tirelessly. He works behind the scenes…someone you normally don’t see seeking recognition,” Ostomecki added. “He doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty. He’s always out there in the trenches.”
“This was a total surprise,” Waychison later told CCN. “I never anticipated it. I’m shocked, but very pleased and honoured to receive it.”
For the complete story, be sure to obtain the next issue of the Canadian Coin Coins.
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