RE Log - Fall 2020

74 Ransom Everglades LOG FALL 2020 In Loving Edmund N. Ansin passed away in his sleep on July 26, 2020. He was 84. A cutting-edge television executive, com- munity philanthropist, devoted family man and great friend to many in New England and South Florida, Ed left an enduring legacy with the people and institutions he touched. At Ransom Everglades, he is memo- rialized by the Ansin Breezeway, Ansin Aquatic Center, Ansin Pool and the larger-than-life Raider statue that he and his family donated through the Ansin Foundation in 2018. At a virtual shiva attended by dozens of colleagues, friends and family, children Andrew L. Ansin ’81, James Ansin ’84 and Stephanie Ansin ’90 , and many others celebrated Ed’s fully lived life with tributes. “Today I ask that you do not cry for our father. Be happy for him,” Ansin’s son Andy said. “Dad lived his life — his way.” Said James: “I am disheartened to lose my father, my boss and my best friend. My dad would be so pleased that all of you are joining the Sunbeam/Ansin family tonight.” Born in Worcester, Mass., on March 9, 1936, Ed was the son of a Ukrainian immigrant with whom he later co- founded Sunbeam Television. Known for innovation and industry leadership, and for bringing “infotainment” to television newscasts in Miami and Boston, Ed also served the various communities he called home. Besides his generosity to Ransom Everglades, was actively involved with United Way of Miami-Dade – whose center of operations the Ansin family funded – and still holds the distinction of having received the agency’s highest phil- anthropic honor, the Tocqueville Award for Outstanding Philanthropy, from three communities: Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Boston. He also supported Habitat for Humanity, Best Buddies, the American Red Cross and the Anti-Defamation League, where he also served as a board member. Larger than Life The passing of Ed Ansin brings many tributes At the virtual shiva that celebrated his life, lead anchors at one of Ed’s stations in Boston, Kim Khazei and Adam Williams, cited Ansin’s love for his family, his passion for news and his courage in doubling down and investing in local news. Anthony Kennedy Shriver, founder of the Best Buddies program, spoke of Ansin’s commitment to the community and his legacy. “I know — hands down — he’s up there in heaven,” Shriver said. “He’s looking down and saying, “I did good. I created three great kids — they’re going to carry on, they have great families and my work is well done and now I can rest.” Head of School Penny Townsend called Ed the “patriarch of a remarkable family.” “Ed was gracious and kind, and ex- tremely well mannered,” she said. “When I saw him at Shabbat dinners at Andy’s and Tatsiana’s home he always spoke with me and was genuinely interested in me and Ransom Everglades. And I could see how much he adored his grandkids. “Ed gave a toast at Andy’s and Tatsiana’s wedding ... what I remember of the message … ‘It’s all about family.’” Ed is survived by his children Andrew (Tatsiana Ansin), James and Stephanie ( Spencer Stewart ’85 ); and grandchildren Tatiana Kheyfets, Sophie Ansin ’25, Helen Ansin ’26, Alexandra Ansin ’27 and Sidney, brother Ron Ansin (Jim Stork), and many nephews, nieces and great- nephews/nieces. He is also survived by his former wife, Toby Lerner Ansin, and longtime companion Maria Harris. Memory