Fast, John (1908-2001)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2001 Jul 13 p. 23

Birth date: 1908 Mar 26

text of obituary:

JOHN FAST

John Fast of Vancouver passed away May 18. He was born Mar. 26, 1908 to Kornelius and Katherina Fast on a farming estate owned by his grandfather in the Crimea, Russia. When the communists came to power, the family moved to a remote village. After 3 years, they fled Russia. At 21 , while in Germany, John developed severe sinus problems and underwent surgery. However, he continued to suffer from the problem the rest of his life. After 8 months in Germany, the family immigrated to Brazil, living on the Stoltz Plateau for 5 years. He then went to Sao Paulo to find work. Here he married Grete Wiebe. Twin sons were born to them. Grete died of cancer at 32. His grief was great, and, through this experience, he gave his life to Jesus. In 1953 married Lena Isaak from Canada. In 1953 he was baptized, and they joined the Mennonite Brethren Church in Brazil. Two children were born to them. In 1956 they moved to Vancouver, joining Vancouver MB Church. Predeceased by his first wife Grete, he is mourned by his wife Lena; sons Erwin, Walter and Hermann; daughter Lilly and 1 sister.