IRENE AGNES BERTHA FAST (NEWMAN)

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IRENE AGNES BERTHA FAST (nee NEWMAN) On Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at Health Sciences Centre (Winnipeg), Irene A.B. Fast passed away peacefully at the age of 79, with family at her side. Irene is survived by her son, Rollin K. Fast and wife Cheryl, two brothers, George Newman and wife Perlita, Ray Newman and wife Bev, granddaughters, Cindy Fast and Karen Rydberg, grandsons Rollin J. Fast and Kelly Rydberg, foster grandsons Morgan, Konan and Tyler, two stepsons, Calvin Fast and Wade Prive, great-grandchildren Deanna, Ethan, Alysa and Alix, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Irene was predeceased by her husband, Rollin R. Fast, her mother Caroline (Hahn) Newman, her father Karl Newman, sister-in-law, Ruth Newman and special friend Joe Cvelbar. Irene was born in Winnipeg on April 28, 1928 and completed her schooling at Gordon Bell High School. Irene was married on February 2, 1948 to Rollin R. Fast. Irene went to work for Great West Life in 1961, working her way to associate manager of group insurance contracts, taking an early retirement in 1983. During her years at Great West Life she acquired many good friends. In 1971 Irene was blessed with her first granddaughter, Cindy (the daughter she always wanted) and Cindy quickly became the apple of her eye , and remained closely bonded to her throughout her life. Cindy was at her side throughout her illness. In 1973 Irene was again blessed with a grandson, Rollin J. Fast whom she also cherished. Irene was full of love for all of her family, immediate and extended. Shortly after retirement Irene started to travel (another love of her life), visiting many different places (Germany, France, Spain, Hawaii, Mexico and countless places in the U.S. and Canada). It was San Diego, California that she fell in love with and started to call home. She loved the climate there and the fact that she could be close to her brother, George and his wife Perlita, who were living in San Diego, and closer to Mesa, Arizona, the winter home of her youngest brother, Ray and wife Ruth. Irene acquired many close friends during her years in San Diego. Irene enjoyed her life to the fullest and was a very active person who loved dancing, taking piano lessons, attending festivals, volunteering usher duties at special events and through it all never really retired. She continued to work, becoming personal secretary (business manager) for Dr. Luben Walchef and after Dr. Walchef's health issues, continued on for his grandson, Shaun Walchef, who took over the reins from his grandfather. She immensely enjoyed working for the Walchefs and I believe the feeling to be mutual, for they treated her so well and was like part of the family. Irene was indeed a very special person of many talents and abilities. Irene fought a very long, hard battle after being treated for acute pancreatic disorder and the ensuing complications, but throughout it all managed to keep her beautiful smile. A special Thank you to Dr. Georgio and Dr. Lyons of Schripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego, California and also to Dr. Horton and the many doctors affiliated with her case, as well as all of the nurses and staff of GH4 and GD5 of the Health Sciences Centre. The family would also like to thank Mr. Shaun Walchef and his secretary, Lora Galloway, and the entire Walchef family for all of their support and assistance throughout this entire ordeal. As per Irene's wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of Irene's life will be held in the chapel of Voyage Funeral Home, 220 Hespeler Ave. on Thursday, November 1 at 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception upstairs. Interment at the family plot in Brookside Cemetery will follow, and will be attended by family members. Deep in our hearts, your memory is kept, to love, to cherish, to never forget. Today, tomorrow, our whole life through, We will always love and remember you. VOYAGE FUNERAL HOME CREMATORIUM FAMILY OWNED OPERATED 220 Hespeler Ave @ Henderson Hwy 668-3151

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 27, 2007