GEORGE ANTON FAST

Obituary for George Fast

November 19th, 2020

It is with heavy hearts that the family of George Anton Fast announce his peaceful passing on November 19th, 2020 at the age of 88. George was born on January 16th, 1932 to Weno and Vlasta Fast on the family farm, located 10 miles North West of Biggar. He attended Oban school until grade eight and then entered the work force. He was employed on the railroad for a short time, worked at a factory in Toronto for three years, and then apprenticed to become a journeyman mechanic at Wrights garage in Biggar. In 1958 George married Mildred Riley and together they took over the family farm in 1960.

As with most farmers, the love of working the land was in George’s blood. Times were not always easy but work ethic, resilience, and good business practices were his recipe for success. George was able to remain on the farm until 2015 where ‘Green’ was the only color of tractor you would find on his farm.

Fishing, sports, playing cards, travelling, music, photography, and dancing were George’s many hobbies. He was a very sharp card player. Many, many games of Kaiser were played under his roof with family, friends, and neighbors over the years. Even as some dementia played havoc with his memory later in life, it was the one card game he could remember. Family suppers always ended up in some kind of card game. He passed on his love of cards to his children and grandchildren who do enjoy playing.  George thoroughly enjoyed dancing, and he and Mildred, spent many evenings old time dancing, square dancing, and pattern dancing. The Saskatchewan Rough Rider games were always on the TV, and he enjoyed watching hockey. He played softball in his early days and enjoyed watching his grandsons play hockey and competitive softball. George took the family on memorable road trips. In later years, he and Mildred travelled to various destinations such as Cuba, Hawaii, and Mexico. Since photography was a major hobby for George, there were many photos taken of their excursions. George used his mechanical skills to service a stock car with his friend Floyd Fick for a few years as well. He was a man of many talents and skills.

When he was not farming, public service also occupied George’s days. He sat on the council of the RM of Rosemount as a councillor for six years and Reeve for two years. He also sat as the chairman of the Biggar Regional Park from the time of its inception until it was transferred to the town of Biggar.

George will be missed by his wife of 62 years; his son, Aaron (Kathy Sapieha) of Calgary, Alberta; son Barry (Jodi) of Cherry Grove, Alberta; and daughter Carmen (Larry Krawec) of Weirdale, Saskatchewan; as well as, his grandchildren, Brad Fast (Keagan), Ryan Fast (Amanda), Riley Fast; Sarah Tolhurst (Thomas), Kyle  and  Cory Krawec and four great grandchildren. He will also be missed by his sister Joyce Colbert; sisters-in-law Ethel Liska, June Riley, Carolyn Harluk, and brother-in-law Delmer Riley (Gwen); and nieces and nephews. George will reunite with his infant daughter Shannon, his parents, and brothers-in-law Ron, Tony, and Al.

George’s family would like to extend their gratitude to all the staff at the Biggar Long Term Care home, where he spent his last 14 months. He was happy at the home, and the care he received was a blessing. A graveside service will be held at a later date. In George’s memory, donations can be made to the activity center at the Biggar Long Term Care home. 

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