Casey Ansems

Cornelius Antonius Lambertus "Casey" Ansems (78), passed away peacefully at the Valley Hospice, Kentville, with his family at his side on the evening of April 5, 2024 from his longstanding battle with cancer. Casey was born in Breda, Netherlands (Holland) and immigrated to Canada as a child with his parents, the late Christian and Johanna (Bastiaansen) Ansems, and his 10 siblings. After an initial settlement of a few years in Parkhill, Ontario, the family moved to Port Williams, Nova Scotia in 1959, and acquired a dairy farm on Church Street. Casey then purchased the farm from his father and successfully transitioned the farm over 50 years from dairy to tobacco and finally to poultry (both chicken and turkey) before retiring and enjoying the stunning views of the Minas Basin up the hill from the original homestead.

A leader in the poultry industry for decades, Casey served on local, provincial, and national boards and committees including Chicken Farmers of Nova Scotia, Turkey Farmers of Nova Scotia, Turkey Farmers of Canada, ACA Co-Op (now Atlantic Poultry Inc.), Big East Co-op, United Poultry Producers Inc., Flue Cured Tobacco Growers Association and the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture. Casey volunteered in various capacities with Annapolis Valley Pony Club, Canning Minor Hockey and East Kings Minor Hockey.

Casey was passionate for 10-pin candlepin bowling in his teens and 20’s and was a member of the "Valley Alpines" and "Valley Apple Kings". They had a reputation for being a team to be reckoned with in Nova Scotia. Casey earned the nickname "Moose" for his size and power demonstrated on the lanes. The teams won numerous tournaments across the province over the years and culminated in winning the provincial title in 1974.  He also played in numerous social leagues at Fairlanes in New Minas for decades. His personal achievements include three, 3-frame total scores of 400 in tournaments, and a personal best single frame score of 217. Casey transferred his skills to golf at Ken-Wo Golf Club and enjoyed the weekly Men’s league competitions. Casey and Audrey enjoyed numerous golf trips around the province with friends and family. He looked forward to his annual PEI golf tour with the boys. 

Even though farming took up significant time in the summer, the family would always get away for a couple annual camping trips, joined by siblings and their families locally, or with neighbours further down the Atlantic Coast. Casey fondly enjoyed the family cottage on Sherbrooke Lake for downtime, and quality time with friends. Once the winter months settled in, Casey and Audrey would migrate south for a few weeks to earn some well needed sun and relaxation (and a few rounds of golf). Casey was blessed to be able to travel with family and friends to various locations around North America and Europe over the years.

Casey was often the life of the party instigating many playful antics that are remembered with laughter by friends and family. He had a mind for numbers and a sharp memory which made him a difficult opponent in a variety of card games. Many family gatherings culminated in a game of Wizard with many laughs and much teasing. Casey’s competitive and playful spirit was witnessed with the annual Easter egg hunt where he loved to demonstrate his keen ability to hide eggs and bunnies in undetectable locations.

Casey’s legacy will live on with his wife, his children, his grandchildren, his close friends and all who were fortunate enough to have known him.

Casey is survived by his wife, Audrey (Millett) and their three children: Jody (Krista Heinzig), London, England; Tim (Angela Johnston), Port Williams; Julie (Stuart) Gould, Morristown; son-in-law, Jeff Newbery, Canning; grandchildren: Claire, Conor, Caelin, Russell, Tobi, Charlie, and Roxy; brothers, Harry (Edith), Frank (Marilyn); sisters, Jacoba Geudens (Jos), Jeannie Merks (Peter Jackson) and Cory Coffin (Gary); sisters-in-law, Peggy and Toosey. He was predeceased by his daughters, Lori and Corrine; by brothers Cornelius (infant), John, Ted, Antoon, Gerard and sister Lucy Vander Vloet.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the compassion and care shown by the Oncology Unit of the Valley Regional Hospital and QEII Hospital, family physician Dr. Sean McGee, the Palliative Care team, V.O.N., and the Valley Hospice to make his transition in life as comfortable as possible.

As per Casey’s request, a formal service will be held at White Family Funeral Home, Kentville, on Friday, April 12th at 1:00 p.m. A livestream link will be available for those unable to attend. Visitation will take place on Thursday April 11th from 5:30 to 8:30pm at the funeral home.  Following a reception at the funeral home, a private burial will take place for immediate family members. Donations may be made to the Valley Hospice, the Victorian Order of Nurses (V.O.N.), Annapolis Valley Health Palliative Care, or a charity of one’s choice.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville. For the livestream link, on-line condolences and inquiries please visit www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.