CORNELIUS BERNHARD FAST

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CORNELIUS BERNHARD FAST

(NEIL)

September 4, 1929 – February 24, 2026

Neil our beloved husband, Dad, Gramps and Great Gramps died peacefully after a brief illness surrounded by his loving family. As a man of faith our family takes comfort in the certain knowledge that Christ has welcomed Neil as His beloved into his heavenly home.

Neil is survived by his loving wife of 23 years Gerda Fast (Streuber), daughter Marlene Janzen (Vic) and son Neil Fast Jr. (Lois).

He is survived by six grandchildren: Tom Janzen (Bronagh Nazarko), Nathan Janzen (Candy Wong), Adam Janzen (Asha Mathew), Ben Janzen (Sacha), Hilary Fast (Caleb Meller), Tim Fast (Vaso).

Great Gramps will be missed by his 12 great-grandchildren: Gretchen, Lars and Leif Janzen, Elly Janzen, Jane and Edie Janzen; Oscar and Bruno Mathew, William and Oliver Meller and Austin and Billie Fast.

Neil was loved by Gerda’s children: Gary Streuber (Rita), Don Streuber (Jennifer), Joy Nickel (Larry), Jan Hintz (Dan), 10 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his first wife Elly Fast (nee Sukkau) after 34 years of marriage and his second wife Elenore Fast (Neufeld) after 11 years of marriage.

He is survived by one brother Bill Fast (Margaret).

He was pre-deceased by his parents, the Reverend Bernhard and Liese Fast, his brother Bernie (Thelma), sisters, Betty (John), Nellie (Peter).

Neil was born in Winnipeg and grew up in Springstein MB, the North End of Winnipeg and East Kildonan. He attended Springstein School, Ralph Brown School, Prince Edward School and MBCI.

His childhood was a happy one, surrounded by his loving family, cousins, aunts and uncles.

On confession of his faith, he was baptized in 1946 into the North End MB Church which later became Elmwood MB Church. He was a lifelong member of this congregation and served in many capacities.

Neil’s entire career was spent at the family business, CA Defehr and Sons, later known as DeFehr Furniture and Appliances. Working with a multitude of generational relatives, at times was challenging, although Neil always persevered in the tasks at hand in the best interest of the company and not always to his benefit. Throughout his 40-year tenure with the company he was held in high regard and earned the respect of the business community and the furniture industry as a whole. The one key element that was provided to him by his Grandfather, Father and Uncles was the latitude to be heavily involved in Church, Board and Voluntary work, which he loved with a passion. His work ethic and tenacity in business were always clearly exhibited in these areas.

Above all, Neil was a loving husband, Dad, Gramps, and Great Gramps, and this love was very much reciprocated. He was our family patriarch, mentor, and inspiration. He was ever proud of each of us. His legacy is one of unwavering faith in his Lord and Saviour.

“If we have died with him, we shall live with Him; if we hold firm we shall reign with Him.”

“Only God could design a life where generations overlap just long enough to love, to teach, to hold and to be held.”

As a family we have been abundantly blessed to have been in that grace-filled sliver of time.

Our family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all who have cared for Neil.

Thank-you to Dr. Shawn Thomas for his professional and compassionate care over the years.

Sincere thanks to the professional and kind care Neil received from everyone on 7A South, St. Boniface Hospital: Dr. Ogaranko, Dr. Audu, Dr. Eng, Kebeto, Maria, Cheryl, Kevin, Sara, Anjola, John, Faith, Nikita, Elizabeth, Steve and many others.

Thank-you to Gerda’s granddaughter, Dr. Kristin Harris for her care and kindness to Neil.

A Memorial Service for Cornelius (Neil Sr.) Fast will be held at the Elmwood MB Church, 145 Henderson Hwy. Winnipeg, MB at 11:00 a.m. on Friday March 6, 2026. A family interment of ashes will be held in the Spring.

Donations in Neil’s memory may be made to: Concordia Hospital, Urgent Care Dept.

In care of arrangements

Tributes: friendsfs.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 28, 2026