JOHN J. FAST

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JOHN J. FAST It is with sadness that we bid farewell to our beloved father, Opa (grandfather), and great-grandfather. John died peacefully on December 7, 2002 at Bethania Personal Care Home. Born in southern Russia on January 11, 1909, John immigrated to Canada with his family in 1924. After their marriage in 1929, he and Mary spent most of their 70 years together in the Whitewater/Boissevain area. John initially made his living farming but later worked in construction and also as a gardener at the International Peace Gardens. In 1989 they moved to Winnipeg, took up residence at Kingsford Haus and joined the Springfield Heights Mennonite Church. After Mary passed away in March of 2000 John remained at Kingsford Haus for one more year and then failing health made it necessary for him to move to Bethania. John enjoyed gardening, woodworking, and watching birds. He had a special fondness for purple martins and each spring waited eagerly for their return to his martin house. John will be lovingly remembered by his children, Elsie Neufeld, Jack (Rita), Vern (Agnes), Helen Bergen (Ben) and Hank (Barbara), 19 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren. Surviving also are three brothers. He was predeceased by two sons-in-law, Hugo Hildebrand and Peter Neufeld, one grandson and one great-grandson. Viewing will be held from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 10 at Klassen Funeral Chapel, 1897 Henderson Hwy. and at the church prior to the service. The funeral service will be at Springfield Heights Mennonite Church, 570 Sharron Bay on Wednesday, December 11 at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mennonite Central Committee or Faith and Life Communications. Arrangements entrusted to Klassen Funeral Chapel, 338-0331.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 09, 2002