Fast, Gerhard (1930-2002)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2003 Jan 17 p. 28

Birth date: 1930 Sep 23

text of obituary:

GERHARD (GEORGE) FAST

Gerhard (George) Fast passed away Sept. 30. He was born Sept. 23, 1930 to John and Helena Fast in Beechy, Sask. The family moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. 8 years later. He finished grade 11 at Eden Christian College. At 14, he was deeply affected by the loss of his father. He struggled with his spiritual condition but at 19 received new life through Jesus. He graduated from Briercrest Bible College in 1955, then completed high school in Caronport, Sask. He taught briefly in Gravenhurst, Ont., then worked in construction and factory work. He responded to long, tedious hours with gratefulness for the work God had provided. At Niagara Christian Fellowship Chapel, he served as Sunday school teacher, Sunday school superintendent and youth leader. He married Ruth Klassen Oct. 25, 1958. He had bypass surgery in 1985. After retiring in June 1994, he enjoyed spending time with family, exploring back roads on his bicycle, golf, bowling, writing memoirs of his early years, reading, doing crossword puzzles and playing Scrabble. In 2001 he had surgery for cancer and clogged arteries, but the cancer returned. He and Ruth encouraged each other with songs in the night. Predeceased by 6 brothers and 2 sisters, he is mourned by Ruth; children Shirley Froese, Lorne, Randy and Kevin; 9 grandchildren; and 1 sister. The funeral was Oct. 3 in Cornerstone Community Church, Virgil, Ont., with Vic Loewen ministering.