Earl Donald Fast

On August 22, 2014 at the Deer Lodge Centre, 4 days prior to his 93rd birthday, Earl Fast passed away peacefully following a short illness.

He is survived by sons, Donald (Judi), Gregory (Brenda Thomson), Andrew (Lezlie Parker); daughter Suzanne (John Grass); grandchildren, Christopher (Shelley), Jennifer (Brad Rempel), Alexis, Claire (Matt Carroll), Geoffrey, Paul, Mark and Julia; and great grandchildren, Kael, Grady, Patrick, Margaret and Thomas.

In 2005 Earl was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Irene.

Earl was born in Winnipeg in 1921 and attended Isaac Brock and Daniel McIntyre schools. He was a very positive outgoing individual, a people person always able to see the good side to people or ideas. He was blessed with a keen sense of humour and having a vast repertoire of jokes, he was always able to find one appropriate to any situation. Earl enjoyed having a good time and as the perfect host, always saw to it that his guests also had a good time.

Earl was a gifted athlete instilled with the drive to succeed. As a youth he played soccer, baseball hockey and golf. Hockey and golf were his passions. He was a member of 6 Manitoba championship hockey teams, bantam through senior, and in 1941 he played for the Winnipeg Rangers winning the Memorial Cup as Dominion of Canada champions. As a member of the 1941 Winnipeg Rangers, he is in both the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame and the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame.

Earl was a low handicap golfer and for a brief time had a 1 handicap. He shot his age at least once every year from age 72 to age 85 and continued golfing through age 91. He was a member of Niakwa Country Club from 1960 to 1986 and Pine Ridge Golf Club since 1986. He was named an Honourary Life Member of Pine Ridge.

During 1942 - 1945 he served as a navigator in the RCAF and was assigned to anti-submarine duties in the Bristol Channel. He was employed by the Canadian Wheat Board from 1939 to 1955, and was an account executive for 30 years with R.L. Crain Ltd. where he set many sales records. He retired in 1988 and was named an Honourary Life Member of the President’s Achievement Club.

In retirement Earl and Irene took many trips to Europe to visit family in Scotland and Belgium. Together they played some of the well-known Scottish and English Links courses. They also enjoyed winter golf vacations in Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head and Padre Island Texas. In later years Earl was a loving and dedicated caregiver for his wife Irene; and was an avid stock market investor, a member of the Manitoba Club, and a strong supporter of World Vision Canada, where he currently was sponsoring ten disadvantaged Third World children.

In keeping with Earl's wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held. The family is looking forward to seeing their friends at a come-and-go reception on Friday, September 12 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Thomson ‘In the Park’ Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to World Vision Canada or to the Winnipeg Humane Society.