Community mourns passing of John Anstett
By Cheryl Heath
Huron County's business community marked the passing of one of its pioneers this past week as John Anstett, founder of Anstett Jewellers, died Jan. 3, at the age of 88 at Clinton Public Hospital.
Anstett, whose flagship jewellery business formed its roots in Clinton and gradually grew to include seven stores, Huron County-wide, is remembered as a loving family man and a popular and kind businessman. He also proudly served in the Canadian army during the Second World War.
Bill Bakelaar, who immigrated to Canada from Holland in 1951, says he hitchhiked to the four corners of Clinton where he spotted Anstett's flagship store.
"I saw this jewellery store and I thought maybe I could get a job there as a watchmaker. He hired me right off the bat," says Bakelaar, who had trained for five years as a watchmaker in his native Holland. "John was a marvelous employer, I couldn't have done any better than that."
Bakelaar remembers his 42 year-long working career with extreme fondness.
"There are so many good memories I don't know where to start," says Bakelaar. "He was always very very good to me and also to my wife."
Bakelaar notes John was an original "people person. He was always friendly to everybody. Everybody liked him very much. His business was always very successful because of his personality."
Pat Anstett, one of John's seven surviving children, says family members, including John's grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, have been sharing their stories about him.
"He could bring a smile and happiness to anyone who met him," she says. "He was an inspiration. He had a will to succeed and the drive to do it."
Pat notes family members have also heard countless stories about John's "engaging personality, great business mind and entrepreneurial passion."
"He was very focused on family and his business," says Pat, noting John was also an active Kinsmen Club member for many years. There were also many fond memories created in the family's wooden frame home on Mill St. in Clinton, where John was known for playing his horn if the mood moved him.
Alf Mathers, a longtime Clinton businessman, remembers John from his early days in Clinton's business community as Mathers started out with a Stedman's franchise, which is located in the present-day Rack N Room, and Anstett's was next door at the present day location of Dr. Hany and Dr. Van Maanen's Family Dentistry Office.
"He was a great guy," says Mathers. "He was well known."
In an online tribute to Anstett, which can be found at www.forevermissed.com, hundreds of visitors have logged on to read the dozens of tributes to John who was renowned for his fine sense of humour and pleasing demeanour.
His son, Peter, wrote this: "Dear Dad: Being with you along your journey in life has been an honour and privilege to be able to proudly call you my Father. All of our families' experiences, trials and tribulations have at times been tough, but memorable. Your wisdom, patience and intelligence you passed on to all of our family members will forever be in our hearts."
John Anstett's memorial service was held at the Clinton branch of the Royal Canadian Legion on Friday. John was predeceased by wife, Irene (McManany) in 1975, and Laura Schultz-Anstett in 2006, and a son, Wayne Steven, in 1957. Seven children, his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family survive him. Donations in his name are welcome at the Clinton Public Hospital Foundation or to the charity of one's choice.
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