Fast, Nick (1875-1959)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1959 Jun 4 p. 8

Birth date: 1875 Feb 26

text of obituary:

NICK FAST

Nick Fast of Reedley, Calif., was born Feb. 26, 1875, in South Russia, the son of George and Sarah Reimer Fast. He came to the United States with his parents when he was but three years old. The settled near Henderson, Neb.

Here he spent his boyhood days and learned to know Jesus as Savior and friend. He was baptized upon his confession of faith by the Elder Peter Friesen and received as a member of the Bethesda Mennonite Church on Pentecost 1895.

Later he moved to Medford, Okla. On Nov. 3, 1901, he entered holy wedlock with Mary Becker of Inman, Kansas. Farming was practiced for a livlihood [sic]. They lived in various places in Oklahoma, including western Kansas and eastern Colorado. They came to California in 1927 and joined the First Mennonite Church of Reedley in 1928. To this union were born five children, all of whom have survived their parents. This union was broken when mother passed away in the spring of 1934.

In the fall he married Katherine Suckau of Kirk, Colo. Rev. J. H. Epp officiated. They lived in Colorado for a few years after which they settled in Reedley. His second wife preceded him in death also, going to her eternal reward March 27, 1941.

His life has not been without hardships and trials, but he shall be remembered as one who was faithful until the end. He was a good father. He had a kind personality and sought to please his friends. Even in his last years when he needed to be bedfast so much of the time, he never complained. He loved to listen to Christian programs on the radio. He had an active interest in the church and was a faithful member.

In the last years he was cared for in the homes of his children, Sarah and George. His last few weeks were spent in the Dinuba Rest Home. Last Thursday he was taken to the Tulare Hospital because of further complications, where he passed away Sunday May 24, 1959, at 7:30 p.m.

He leaves to cherish his memory five children, Marie, Mrs. Ben Heide of Hutchinson, Kansas, George of Reedley, Sarah, Mrs. David Quiring of Reedley, Katie, Mrs. Bruce Cammeron of Linden, Calif., Helena Phillips of Kingsburg, Calif., 17 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. May 27, 1959, at the First Mennonite Church of Reedley, Rev. Aaron J. Epp officiating. Burial was made in the Reedley cemetery.