Fast, Abram P. (1884-1955)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Feb 17 p. 10

Birth date: 1883

text of obituary:

News from Canada

Former Leader Of Volendam Colony Dies

ABRAM FAST WAS WIDLY [sic] KNOWN AMONG IMMIGRANTS FROM RUSSIA

Kitchener, Ont. — On Sunday, Feb. 6, Abram Fast, well-known among the Mennonite settlers from Russia, was called to death at the age of 72. He suffered a heart attack in the home of his daughter, Mrs. Lena Thiessen, Leamington, Ontario, and died a few minutes later.

Mr. Fast was known in Russia as one of the few Mennonite dentists practicing at Tiege. He had learned his trade in Germany.

In 1930 he fled from Russia and came to Berlin where he established a parcel service to Russia. He was instrumental in sending thousands of parcels to grief-stricken Mennonites in South Russia where he had earlier given efficient service in the “Verdand.”

He was among the first group of Mennonite people who, after the war, were able to leave Berlin and settle in Paraguay, and he served for a short period as “Oberschultze” in the Volendam. colony.

He then came to Canada with Mrs. Fast in order to arouse interest and possibly create credit for the establishment of a sugar refinery in Paraguay. Ever since arriving in Canada he had not been well, although his death came suddenly.

The funeral was held on Wednesday, Feb. 9, at the Leamington General Conference church.