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Charges laid in crash that killed couple
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Sherry Haaima sherry.haaima@metroland.com
Ottawa police have laid charges in the December 2016 crash that killed two prominent Renfrew citizens. Douglas Foster, 69, and Joan Foster, 66, both of Renfrew, died in a head-on collision on March Road just south of Hwy. 417 near Carp on Sunday, Dec. 4. John Anstie, 24, of Kanata, was charged in March with two counts each of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death, impaired operation of a motor vehicle causing death and criminal negligence causing death. At the time of the crash, he was transported to hospital in serious condition. The couple’s son, Joel Foster, says no one wins with the charges being laid. “He could plead guilty next week or it could go to trial and drag on for many months. Either way, a sense of closure feels elusive. Nothing can undo the damage to both our families and communities.” He questions what Anstie is feeling and would like time to talk to him but knows that is not possible as the case is in front of the courts. “Dialogue would be really helpful right now while the wounds are still fresh, but it won’t be possible until well after the
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Ottawa police have laid charges in the December 2016 crash that killed two prominent Renfrew citizens, Douglas Foster, 69, and Joan Foster, 66. wounds have begun to scab over, and may never happen at all.” Questions remain for Joel. “I feel I need to understand him. Does he feel any remorse? What’s his life like? Does he have people who love him? Who are his friends, and has he told them about the accident? How did they react? Is he feeling shame?” Joel asked. “Without dialogue, we’re
left in emotional limbo, not knowing how we feel, or how we ought to feel.” The police kept the family in the loop, on March 28 informing them they were meeting with Anstie that morning and then followed up informing them he was charged. Anstie was released the same day with strict bail conditions. As to the impaired operation of a
motor vehicle causing death charge; it particularly hits homes with Joel, as he is a registered nurse who works at an addiction medicine clinic. “Working with the population I work with and my clients, it helps me understand how addiction leads people to make poor choices,” said Joel. The Fosters are sorely missed in the community.
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“Our community has suffered a huge loss as this wonderful couple who just retired gave their all to the folks of the Town of Renfrew for many years,” said Renfrew Coun. Kate Windle following the crash. Doug ran Foster’s Construction for decades and is former fire chief Randy Foster’s brother. Joan, who is originally from Arnprior, operated hair salon Hairitage in Renfrew for 39 years and had just retired. Marcia Foster, along with her brothers Skyler and Joel, still profoundly feel the loss of their parents. “They were both entrepreneurs in the community,” said Marcia. “Over the course of his career, Dad changed the landscape of Renfrew and area. He was well-respected in his line of work.” He worked on many of the area’s most beautiful homes, she said, including the Kenopic house on Albert Street. Her mom gave of herself for the betterment of the community. “She volunteered for hospice and Welcome Wagon and delivered for Meals on Wheels,” said Marcia. “They were really involved in the community, active in their church and loved to travel.” -with files from Tiffany Lepack
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