Anson Eugene Laufer Jr.

  General Notes:

Not everyone who knew Anson Laufer remembers him as the kind soul he was. He was by turns serious, impatient, reserved, stern, even intimidating; all of which provided a startling foil for his sly, Dickensian humor. A complex and endlessly curious man, he read voraciously throughout his life. He was especially captivated by travel and adventure narratives. Those who knew him well remember an excellent listener, a man who knew how everything worked, and who would help others readily.
As a boy in Pleasant Ridge, Michigan, he built cameras, model boats, eventually graduating to model airplanes. His interest in things mechanical led to study at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, in Mechanical Engineering, where he pledged Theta Xi Fraternity. He worked as an engineer for Excello Corporation, moved to Cleveland, OH in 1948 to join Motch & Merriweather, became plant manager for Ohio Moulding Corporation of Wickcliffe, eventually supervising building of two new Ohio Moulding manufacturing facilities in Indiana and Pennsylvania. Anson was a dedicated photographer known for his meticulous darkroom work.

His photographs are marked by stillness, balance and a sense of the extraordinary in everyday scenes. As a member of the Cleveland Photographic Society, his "Deserted Room" won national 'Print of the Year' in 1950. From 1980 to 1997 he exhibited with the Western Reserve Pictorialists. His prints appeared four solo exhibitions in Cleveland, and in many juried competitions including the May Show at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Throughout his life, Anson Jr. undertook practical engineering projects to the benefit of his family, neighbors, co-workers, local schools and institutions. The Laufer family basement was a workshop filled with scores of specialized tools. Anson's skill as a woodworker, modelmaker and machinist produced a seemingly endless production of wooden toys, go-carts, home built welding rigs, model airplanes, telescopes, shelving, furniture, cabinetry, audio equipment and projects for schools, museums and friends. He restored historic pedal organs, cameras, automobiles to extreme perfection, and no toy, game or doll was beyond his ability to repair. He was happiest when engaged in making something to meet the needs of others. Anson served as a Presbyter at Historic First Presbyterian of East Cleveland. He also devoted many volunteer hours to photographing scientific specimens for the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
Anson & Bette celebrated 65 years of marriage in 2008; they retired and lived together in Twin Towers, Cincinnati, Ohio. Anson passed away in 2009 leaving a dedicated wife and great family behind.

Anson married Bette Lois Betwee, daughter of Arthur Herbert Betwee and Estella Mary Smith.