Fast, Alexander John (1890-1964)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1964 Sep 25 p. 18

Birth date: 1890 Sep 22

text of obituary:

ALEXANDER JOHN FAST

Alexander John Fast was born into the family of John and Helen Fast in South Russia on September 22, 1890. His education was begun at home where his father taught. Further, he attended teacher training schools in Neu Halbstadt and Petersburg. His memories about those years as student vividly describe the joys and sorrows of that time.

As young teacher he came to Millerowa where he lived at the home of my parents, John Penners, the teacher and minister of the community. There he accepted Christ as His personal Saviour, was baptized by Corn. Wiens and became a member of the M.B. Church in Alexandrodar, Kuban.

In the spring of 1921 he married Katherine Penner, establishing his first home in the schoolbuilding of the village of his birth. Two daughters were born there. Due to political unrest and increasing pressure on the teaching profession, he decided to leave home and country, for a land where he could work in accordance with his convictions. God directed his ways to Canada arriving in Saskachewan in 1925 at the home of his uncle, Daniel Fast. Since employment was difficult and wages of a labourer very low, he decided to study once more and enter the teaching profession.

In 1930 he accepted his first teaching position in Moosehorn, Manitoba. For eight years he taught in the area appreciated by many for his calm ways, his firm convictions and his hard work and rewarded him with love, gifts and lasting friendship. Another 9 years he taught near Winkler and then Niverville, where the family could have closer fellowship in the church of their choice.

They left Niverville for British Columbia in 1947 with sorrowing hearts. Thus he served as teacher for 31 years, 14 in Russia and 17 in Canada. They were years of toil and hardships, but joy shone on his face when his former students called on him and related their experiences.

God graciously granted the family another 17 years together in Greendale. Adjusting to retirement and the new circumstances probably was more difficult than realized, and yet they were blessed years of quiet services in the Kingdom of God. He spent much of his time studying God's Word. While his strength gradually decreased, God lovingly prepared him for the time of his departure from here. After a brief two days of suffering, he passed quietly away to be with the One who redeemed him.

He reached the age of 73 years, 9 months and 10 days. Awaiting a joyous reunion, he leaves his beloved wife, two sons, five daughters, three sons-in-law, one daughter-in-law, fourteen grandchildren, a sister in Russia, and many friends. In loving memory, Katherine Fast and family.