Fast, Henry Peter (1883-1970)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1970 Mar 06 p. 26

Birth date: 1883 Jan 25

text of obituary:

HENRY PETER FAST

Henry P. Fast of 7 Kusch Crescent, Saskatoon, passed away on February 8, 1970, at the age of 87. The funeral was held from the Central Mennonite Brethren Church, Saskatoon, with Rev. William Dyck of Niverville and Rev. Henry J. Harder of Saskatoon ministering.

Mr. Fast, son of Peter and Sara (nee Dyck) Fast, was born January 25, 1883 in Kuban, South Russia. He lost his father as a youth of 15 and had to take charge of his father's farm along with his mother and one sister. He accepted Christ as Saviour in 1903 and the following year was baptized upon his confession of faith and accepted into the Mennonite Brethren church. In 1906 he was married to Elizabeth Poetker. They were privileged to share 64 years together and of the six children that were born to them, one, a daughter, died in infancy. In 1924 the family emigrated to Canada and settled at Colonsy, where they farmed from 1925 until 1944, when they retired to Saskatoon. At Colonsy, he served actively in the church, particularly as choir director.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; two daughters, Mrs. George (Louise) Balzer, Mrs. Arthur (Emily) Friesen, Oregon; three sons, George of Winnipeg, Dan of Saskatoon, and Henry of Belleville, Ont.; 15 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.