Ronald John Fast passed away peacefully on February 13, 2021 at the age of 72. He spent his final days at his Headingley home, enjoying laughter, stories and time with his family.
On January 11, 1949, Ron was born to Cornelius and Agnes Fast, their second child in a family of six siblings. Ron grew up on a farm in Pidgeon Lake on HWY 26, went to George Herbert Elementary School and St. Paul’s Collegiate in Elie for Junior High and High School.
While Ron wanted to be a farmer, life took him to Winnipeg at 18 years old, where he had his first job at the Tire Exchange. Shortly after he started a job with Derksen Plumbing & Heating Ltd. with whom he apprenticed and received his Journeyman’s Plumber’s License, or as he sometimes called it his PHD (plumbing, heating and drainage).
Ron met Margaret in the fall of 1969 at a church dance, and they were married in July 1973. The first years of marriage were spent at a farmhouse in Rosser, Manitoba, until they were able to build a house in Headingley in 1975.
1976 was a significant year for Ron as he started Fast Plumbing & Heating Ltd. in the spring, and Paul, his first son arrived in the fall. Ron’s business grew and so did the family with two more sons, Derek and Eric, arriving in 1978 and 1981.
In 1989, the family moved into a new Headingley home along the river. Ron and his family enjoyed being outside with many camping trips exploring South Dakota, Yellowstone, Vancouver Island, Western Canada and friends’ cottages. In 2007, Ron and Margaret decided it was time to have their own cottage where they could continue to enjoy their time with their sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren. Ron found his “Happy Spot” in Lake of the Woods, spending time with his family and friends on his fishing boat.
Ron and Margaret enjoyed traveling, and had the opportunity to see Europe, Israel, Vietnam, Mexico, Costa Rica, Alaska and Arizona. In business Ron worked as far north as the Arctic Circle and Baffin Island with many communities in between. In fall of 2017, Ron took the opportunity to go fishing with friends in Brazil and hunting in Argentina.
Ron made friends easily, and many became longtime friends whether through business, church, or community. Ron was always ready to help, and was a great teacher and mentor to his many apprentice’s that worked with him at Fast Plumbing & Heating Ltd. He made time to listen to his employees, and was always ready to share advice and guidance.
When Headingley seceded from Winnipeg, Ron was asked to help form the Headingley Chamber of Commerce, and was its President for five years. Ron was active in the First Mennonite Church community assisting with various building projects, plumbing issues, ushering, and helping whenever he was needed.
In April 2019, Ron was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. Ron tolerated the Chemo treatments which gave him extra time with family, friends, his newest granddaughter and two great summers fishing! Ron lived life on his terms and in his words had a wonderful life!
Mourning his loss but celebrating his life are his wife, Margaret; children and grandchildren: Paul & Jennifer (Katherina), Derek & Heather (Ethan & Zachary), Eric & Janel (Harper); adopted family: Jean-Luc & Hien (Jessica & Jorden). Ron is survived by his mother, Agnes Fast; sisters: Louise Martens, Katherine (Peter) Ferrante; brothers: Frank (Lorraine), Alvin (Betty), Karl (Janet); brother-in-law, Harry (Janis) Harms & their families. Ron is predeceased by his father, Cornelius Fast and brother-in-law, Ken Martens.
The family would like to thank Dr. Kim, Dr. Beshara, and the staff at Buhler Cancer Care for their wonderful care of Ron for the past year and a half. The Southern Health Palliative Care Team’s care and compassion has been remarkable and mere words are not able to convey our thanks. We would also like to thank family and many friends who supported Ron throughout his cancer journey. You gave him strength, encouragement, and help.
While we are not able to say goodbye to Ron and celebrate his life all together, please take comfort in the Fisherman’s Prayer as you think about him.
God Grant the Wish
that I may Live to fish,
For another shining day,
But when my final cast is made,
I then most humbly pray,
When nestled in your landing net,
As I lay peacefully asleep,
You’ll smile at me and judge,
That I’m Good Enough to Keep.
A private family service has taken place.
Memorial donations may be made to: FMC Refugee Fund (922 Notre Dame Ave. Wpg. MB R3E 0M9); MCC Grow Hope (134 Plaza Dr. Wpg. MB. R3T 5K9); or the Headingley Community Foundation (5353 Portage Ave. Wpg. Mb. R4H 1J9)
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Ronald John Fast Saturday February 13th 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba