Described by his family as a “serial hobbyist,” numismatic pioneer Edward ‘Ed’ Anstett died, surrounded by his family, on April 3. He was 92.
Anstett founded the Stratford Coin Club in the 1960s and was president of the Brantford Numismatic Society for many years. In 2002 he was named a Fellow of the ONA (Ontario Numismatic Association), and he was awarded the ONA Award of Merit in 2013.
Edward ‘Ed’ Anstett died on April 3, 2023.
“From an early age, Eddie had a passion for all things mechanical and began a 43-year career in the automotive parts business which took him to Stratford as a salesman for United Auto Parts, then promoted to manager of the Brantford branch receiving many awards in recognition of his leadership,” reads an obituary published by his family. “Dad was extraordinarily adaptable in life and never stopped learning. He was a serial hobbyist, an amateur historian, a choir singer, an outdoorsman and an elderberry winemaker. Even blindness in one eye didn’t stop him from taking up scuba diving in his 50s, playing hockey with his grandkids into his 70s or maintaining an uncanny ability to sink a 20-footer on the green.”
He was deeply devoted to his family and community, volunteering with his kids’ many extracurriculars and in retirement at the St Vincent de Paul Society. He was a dedicated 55-year parishioner of St. Pius X church and a 70-year member of the Knights of Columbus.
“In retirement, Ed sold his collection to buy and restore a vintage motorhome which he and Mary took all over North America as members of the GMC Heritage Cruisers,” reads the obituary. “Despite living with Alzheimer’s in his later years, he greatly enjoyed our family gatherings, especially with the recent addition of his three great-grandchildren, who brought huge smiles to his face.
He is remembered by his wife, Mary of 67 years, and his children Dennis (Julie), Tim (Debbie), Brian, Ron (Caroline), Mary Lynne, Mike, and Chris. He was also adored by his grandchildren Andrea (Ryan), Sarah Lynne (Andrew) Stephen (Alana), Sean, Thomas, Luke and Etenesh and great-grandchildren Bronson, Evelyn and Lily. Anstett was the last surviving sibling of 12 children born to John and Rose Anstett of Walkerton, Ont.: Marcel, Gerald, Francis, John, Wilfred, Rita, Mary, Victor, Betty, Ray and Jim. Survived by in-laws Veronica Zettel and Gerry Kraemer. He was predeceased by in-laws Paul Kraemer and Sr. Doreen Kraemer.
Anstett’s family will hold a visitation at Toll Funeral Home, 55 Charing Cross St., Brantford, on Tuesday, April 11, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at St. Pius X Church, 9 Waverly St., Brantford on Wednesday, April 12 at 11 a.m. Instead of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society or St Pius X Church at arbormemorial.ca/en/toll.