Brandon Sun - PRINT EDITION
Ivan Kasiurak poses with several signed Time magazine covers for a photo taken about 20 years ago. Kasiurak has already sold some of the autographed magazines. (BRUCE BUMSTEAD/BRANDON SUN)
A former Brandon resident is selling off his entire collection of 2,000 autographed photos of world famous and important people.
Ivan Kasiurak, 81, stores his collection of famous signatures in a fireproof filing cabinet in his London, Ont. home.
Some highlights from his collection include five books signed by Pierre Berton, a TV Guide cover signed by the entire cast of "MASH" and the 1945 and 1946 Brandon Elks Hockey program, with seven autographed photos.
Kasiurak grew up Brandon where he was a Brandon Sun news carrier during the early 1940s, a time that he remembers fondly.
"I don’t know how many miles I walked everyday, but it was a lot," he said. "I would deliver in the rain or snow, it was a tremendous experience."
But his interest in collecting famous autographs didn’t turn into a hobby until 1964, during his time spent as a cook in the Royal Canadian Air Force.
"They taught me trade, they taught me discipline, they taught me how to shine my shoes and I dressed everyday as if I were going to church," he said. "Now I never leave the apartment without a shave."
Following his retirement in 1969 after 20 years of service in the air force, Kasiurak continued to mail out hand written letters in hopes of adding even more autographs to his already extensive collection.
"I write a really nice letter," he said. "Being a retired member of the Royal Canadian Air Force has a lot of oomph."
Although he admits that over the years he has sent several letters that have yet to receive a response, it’s the challenge involved with obtaining a rare signature that drives his motivation.
"I know there have been people that have tried to get the autographs I’ve had and they haven’t succeeded," he said. "I just like the challenge of getting a response and an autograph back."
Besides requesting an autograph, he also makes sure to include a very important question in each of his letters.
"I like to know what their greatest achievement is."
It’s a question that he said warrants a wide range of responses, but among his favourites was when somebody wrote back that they haven’t achieved it yet.
"A lot of people write back and say it’s their families, but that one was different," he said.
Though adding to his collection over the years has been one of his most beloved hobbies, he said it’s time to start selling them off, while he still can.
"I’m 81 years young and there’s just thousands of dollars sitting in those filing cabinets," he said. "My family members all look after themselves now so I can spend what I make on myself while I still have the chance."
For more information about Kasiurak’s collection, you can contact him directly at 519-673-4954 or kas15108@bell.net.
» lenns@brandonsun.com
Republished from the Brandon Sun print edition January 14, 2013
We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high. If you thought it was well written, do the same. If it doesn’t meet your standards, mark it accordingly.
You can also register and/or login to the site and join the conversation by leaving a comment.
Rate it yourself by rolling over the stars and clicking when you reach your desired rating. We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high.
The Brandon Sun does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. Comments are moderated before publication. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
A former Brandon resident is selling off his entire collection of 2,000 autographed photos of world famous and important people.
Ivan Kasiurak, 81, stores his collection of famous signatures in a fireproof filing cabinet in his London, Ont. home.
Already subscribed? Login to view full article.
Not yet a subscriber? Click Here to Signup
A former Brandon resident is selling off his entire collection of 2,000 autographed photos of world famous and important people.
Ivan Kasiurak, 81, stores his collection of famous signatures in a fireproof filing cabinet in his London, Ont. home.
A subscription to the Brandon Sun Newspaper is required to view this article. Please update your user information if you are already a newspaper subscriber.
Most Popular
Sort by: Newest to Oldest | Oldest to Newest | Most Popular 0 Comments
You can comment on most stories on brandonsun.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.