Fast, Dietrich Richard (Dick) (1926-2000)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2001 Jan 05 p. 27

Birth date: 1926 Aug 23

text of obituary:

DICK FAST

Dick (Dietrich Richard) Fast passed away Sept. 26. He was born Aug. 23, 1926 in Sagradowka, Ukraine. Two weeks later, the family fled to Canada. His capacity for hard work, fun with friends and family and "make do" ingenuity were rooted in his childhood experiences on their Saskatchewan farms. In 1938 they moved to Virgil, Ont. to be closer to a church. He enjoyed his Sunday school teachers and learning to know the Bible. At 13, he gave his heart to the Lord, in response to his father's prayers. He felt washed clean of sin, but began a lifelong struggle to realize that salvation was a gift. He became an avid Christian radio listener, his car radio tuned to "The Radio Bible Class" or "Back to the Bible". He regretted leaving school at an early age to work. He applied himself to learning the Bible through early morning devotions, memorizing Scripture, reading, and attending church and conferences. He loved to pass on to others what he was learning. He said that teaching Sunday school for 45 years had taught him everything he knew. He married Kay Dick June 3, 1950; their wedding text was "And Jesus walked with them." They were intensely involved with the farm, church, factory work and the community. He regretted being too busy to develop deeper relationships with his children in their formative years, but after retirement, cherished the time with his children, in-laws and grandchildren, never too busy to help them with work, prayer and counsel. He enjoyed playing tennis until age 72. He had heart surgery in 1998 and twice in August 2000. He treasured cards from family and friends. He loved baseball. The last night of his life he played Rook with friends. In his last years, he became more tender, and relational, speaking about his needs and feelings with new depth. He reported meaningful dreams. A taped sermon on Rom. 8:28,29 answered questions about his suffering. He believed it had a purpose in God's plan and looked forward to going home. Predeceased by 5 brothers and 2 sisters, he is mourned by Kay; children Judi, Janet, Joan, Richard, Jane and Jackie; 5 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; 1 brother and 1 sister. The funeral was Sept. 29 in Fairview MB Church, St. Catharines, Ont., with Waldo Pauls ministering.