IRENE JULIA FAST (BAILLIE)

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IRENE JULIA FAST (nee BAILLIE) On March 14, 2005 at St. Norbert Personal Care Home, Irene passed away peacefully in her sleep, after a dignified battle with Alzheimer's disease. She is survived by her husband Earl; sons, Donald (Judi), Gregory (Brenda Thomson), Andrew (Lezlie Parker); daughter Suzanne (John Grass) and grandchildren, Christopher (Shelley), Jennifer, Alexis (Wade Rutland), Claire, Geoffrey, Paul, Mark and Julia, as well as many cousins in Scotland, Belgium, USA and Canada. Irene was born in Winnipeg in 1922 and attended Isaac Brock, Daniel McIntyre and the Angus School of Commerce. She entered the workforce as a stenographer for C.S. Gunn Insurance and worked there until she married. Her husband Earl was initially posted to P.E.I. and while there she was employed at the local newspaper. Irene was a longtime resident of St. James where she raised her family. As the children grew, she returned to the work force working part time for Sears, Canadian Forces Recruitment Centre and Greenaway Insurance. She also did volunteer work for Linwood School, the St. James Public Library and the Manitoba Museum of Man and Nature. Irene took many trips to Europe, initially with her mother Julia and later with her husband. She usually visited relatives in Scotland and Belgium and friends in England. In retirement Irene took up golf and was a member at Pine Ridge for eight years. She was an excellent putter. Together with Earl he played some of the well-known Scottish and English Links courses. In addition to overseas holidays they enjoyed winter golf vacations in Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head and Padre Island Texas. To those fortunate to have known her, Irene had strong values, a very clear sense of right and wrong, and was an excellent mother and supportive partner for Earl. In keeping with Irene's wishes cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held. Irene's family are looking forward to seeing their friends at a come and go reception on Friday, April 29 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Thomson In the Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army or the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 23, 2005