In Loving Memory of "Coach" Brian Anstice
On behalf of the Cure Cancer Foundation and Toast of the Town Board, it is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our dear friend “Coach” Brian Anstice. On January 6, 2025, we lost Brian, the beloved founder and co-chair of the Toast of the Town.
Brian’s journey with cancer began in 2016 when he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Despite relapses in 2020, 2021, and 2023, he never let his diagnosis define him. Instead, he channelled his energy into helping others, determined to make a difference. Brian believed his mission was to “make everyone he met at the hospital feel a little better each day.”
Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, Brian was a friend, mentor, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and, above all, a coach in every sense of the word.
A Legacy of Leadership and Giving
Brian’s passion for uplifting others led him to co-found Toast of the Town alongside his close buddy Barrie Stafford (also diagnosed with multiple myeloma) and the Sunday Morning Coffee Gang, a group united by their personal experiences with cancer.
The event celebrates a notable member of the community and toasts them while raising money for cancer fundraising.
The first Toast of the Town honoured Barrie Stafford (Member of the Wall of Honour in the NHL Hockey Hall of Fame), and the inaugural event raised $110,000. After this success, another Toast was held in 2021, honouring Kevin Lowe (NHL Hockey Hall of Famer and community leader.) In 2024, Cal Nichols, an Edmonton philanthropist who started the Glenn Anderson Day of Golf, was honoured with the toast, raising over $450,000. The Toast of the Town also honoured Hockey Hall of Fame Member Lanny McDonald in Calgary in November 2022.
Brian directly helped to raise over $2 million for Alberta cancer research through his involvement with the Toast of the Town.
A Champion for Cancer Research
Brian was a huge supporter of the Cure Cancer Foundation and was heavily involved in its annual Glenn Anderson Day of Golf Charity Tournament. He always supported local cancer charity events, including the World’s Longest Games.
In early 2024, Brian was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, for his remarkable contributions to the cancer fundraising community.
Honouring Brian’s Memory
On behalf of the Cure Cancer Foundation board and Toast of the Town committee, we offer our most heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the Anstice family. Brian’s unwavering dedication to our mission has left a lasting impact on our community.
Brian’s family wishes for everybody wanting to offer a donation in honour of Brian; please do so by connecting with the CCF – TOTT at https://fundraise.albertacancer.ca.
Rest in peace, Brian. Your kindness, compassion, and determination will always be missed, but never will be forgotten.
