In Remembrance is an occasional column featuring short obituaries of CAS members who have recently passed away. These obituaries and sometimes longer versions are posted on the CAS website; search for “Obituaries.”
CAS Past President (1996-1997)
Robert A. Anker (FCAS 1972)
1941–2023
Robert A. Anker, 81, of Carmel, Indiana, died in August 2023. He was born in Austin, Minnesota, to the late Alvin and Ruth (McGuire) Anker and graduated from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, where he earned his degree in mathematics. Anker’s career as an actuary and insurance executive began at Employers Insurance of Wausau in 1964 and brought him to American States Insurance in Indianapolis in 1974. He retired from American States as chair and CEO at the end of 1997. In his retirement, Anker enjoyed trips to his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, solving Sudoku and crossword puzzles, and celebrating the arts. He was happiest having fun and making memories with his family and friends. Anker loved the arts and served on the boards of the Indiana Repertory Theatre, the Indianapolis Art Center, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis and the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. His civic involvement included the Washington Township School Board and the Indianapolis and Fort Wayne Chambers of Commerce. He was proud to have served as a trustee of his alma mater. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, John Anker. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Pat; children Sean (Loni Dishong) Anker, Kevin (Julli) Anker, Jennifer Anker and Jackie (Matt) Allman; aunt, Shirley Madison; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his extended family as well as many friends and associates.
Illinois Proud
James Matusiak (FCAS 2002)
1976-2023
James John Matusiak Jr., age 47, of Frisco, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home following a brief illness in January 2023. He is survived by his wife, Pamela (nee Denning) Matusiak; children Anna (18), Evelyn (16) and Ian (12); his parents, James Sr. and Ellen Matusiak; grandmother, Louise (John) Matusiak; brother, Paul (Kelly) Matusiak; sisters Carrie Sullivan and Kristin (Dan) Blaskovitz; numerous nieces and nephews, the extended Denning family and many friends. A proud father, he was married for 25 years to Pam, who was the love of his life and his high school and college sweetheart. He and his family moved from Illinois to Bermuda and then back stateside to Austin, Texas; St. Louis, Missouri; and Dallas, Texas. Raised in Orland Park, Illinois, Matusiak was the oldest of four children. He attended Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park and the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign, where he majored in actuarial science and was a leader in the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He graduated early from college and cultivated many lifelong friendships and an undying love for the Fighting Illini. After college, Matusiak began his career at Allstate. After Allstate, he was a respected leader within the reinsurance industry for esteemed firms like Renaissance Reinsurance, KPMG and Guy Carpenter. Most recently, Matusiak was proud to be part of the team at Howden Tiger. He will forever be loved and remembered by his family and lifelong friends.
The Irish Lad
William Francis O’Connor (ACAS 2015)
1968-2022
In August 2022, William “Liam” O’Connor passed away unexpectedly of natural causes, leaving his many friends and family members heartbroken in his absence. O’Connor was born in Oakland, California, six minutes after his twin brother, Tim. He attended Moreau High School in Hayward, California, then studied mathematics at UC Berkeley, which led him to his lifelong career as an actuary. True kindred spirits, O’Connor and his wife Trish enjoyed 25 years of marriage, their happiness made complete with the addition of their two children, Kieran and Claire, and adorable dog Charlie. After seven years with WCIRB, O’Connor spent the following 21 years at AIG supporting in various actuarial roles. Many of his closest friendships were developed through work, and both he and his wife truly cherished these lasting connections. A resident of San Ramon, California, for 23 years, he loved and served his community. He was a longstanding member of the local chapter of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed his family and found joy and satisfaction in hosting holiday dinners, listening to Irish music, watching Jeopardy! and cooking up clever concepts for his family’s annual Halloween card. In addition to his wife and children, survivors include his mother, Barbara O’Connor; brothers Michael and Tim O’Connor (Diane) ; sisters Julie Villeneuve (Roger), Mary O’Connor and Pauline O’Connor (David Jargowsky); his in-laws; several nieces and nephews; friends Chris and Johanna Prevost; and many aunts, uncles and cousins in the U.S. and Ireland. O’Connor was predeceased by his father, Bill O’Connor.
The Explorer
Vladimir Shander (FCAS 2003)
1956-2023
Vladimir Naumovich Shander, born in Moscow, Russia, passed away unexpectedly in April 2023, while traveling abroad in Petra, Jordan. Vladimir volunteered in different capacities for the CAS from 2003 to 2020. He graduated from Moscow State University with a degree in mathematics. Vladimir was an actuarial director for ISO from 1999-2022. He was a volunteer member of the CAS Member Advisory Panel, Claims Level Analytics Working Group, Accounting Changes Committee and Task Force, Implementation Task Force for the Education Paper on Reserving, Reserves Committee, and Syllabus and Examination Committee. In his personal life he was a dedicated father and grandfather, a husband of 35 years to Alla Laufer prior to her passing in 2017, a mathematician, a teacher and a cave explorer. He is survived by his two children Aleksandra and Lizzie Shander.
