REGINALD ALLEN FAST

This is about Reg. Above all, Reg’s trust was in God, his family came first, his career was aviation, his hobby was flying, and his passion was life.
On Sunday, Sept. 20, 1998, surrounded by much love, Reg passed away at home with his wife and closest friend, Grace (Hoff), and their three children, Charis, Andrew, and Tasha, close by his side.
He also left to remember forever his parents Cornie and Dora (Warkentine) Fast; his brothers and sisters and their families, Carol (Phil) Doerksen, Don (Emily) Fast, Sharon (Allan) Reimer, Bonita (Ike) Friesen, Dylan Fast (Val Neufeld), and Angie Fast (Jody Baty); his grandma, Katherine Warkentine (Unger); his parents-in-law, Peter and Anna (Unrah, Thiessen) Hoff; sisters-in-law, Attie (Jerry) Horovatin, Janny (Rob) Joyce, Mariannia (Ed) Kulscar, and Margaret (Garry) Goertzen; brother-in-law, Mark (Jackie) Hoff; and many other relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by his mother-in-law, Fokeltje (Roorda) Hoff.
Reg was born Oct. 7, 1957 in Steinbach, Man. He attended grade school in Blumenort and high school in Steinbach.
His adventurous spirit took him in many different directions. By the time Reg reached age 21, he had competed in provincial track meets, received offers from junior hockey leagues, obtained his private and commercial pilot licence, cycled from Texas to Steinbach, motor-biked to the west coast, constructed a runway in the Amazon jungle with Teen Missions, and attended Bible School where he met and married his life partner.
He embarked on many other adventures in his Piper Super Cub. His father originally owned this plane and Reg received rides in it as a boy. Later on in life, he took great effort in tracking it down, buying it back, and refurbishing it, and the two became inseperable. His Cub was his pal. In his Cub, he flew with his father to Mexico, and also planned and flew a solo flight to the North Pole.
When asked why the North Pole, Reg replied, “Some people like a Sunday drive, I’d like to go to the North Pole and have a cup of tea.”
Reg was married to Grace Hoff on Dec. 9, 1978 in Kelowna, B.C. For the first three years, they spent their winters in B.C. and their summers in Steinbach. In 1981, they moved to The Pas, Man. for 14 years, where he continued his career in aviation.
His flying experience ranged from bush planes to twin-engine aircraft to crop dusters to helicopters, and he contributed to businesses such as Beaver Air Services and Custom Helicopters. He was well-known and respected in the aviation business.
While in The Pas, he also assisted Grace in R.G. Fast Insurance.
Reg and Grace had three children, Charis, Andrew, and Tasha. He loved them dearly. No matter where work took him, he kept very close ties to home. In 1995, the family moved back to Steinbach, where Reg worked with his brothers in Fast Air and Fast Brothers. He continued to fly helicopter in the summers, and then started his own company, Tachan Aero, in late 1997.
Reg had a strong faith in God and it carried through in how he lived his life. He played an active role in the church community. Reg and Grace were a team. They had a solid relationship in which they provided a loving and warm home where they raised their children.
Reg was generous with his home, his possessions, his love, and his time. Reg was never one to take life for granted, and was always thankful for his family, friends, health, and home. Many have commented how knowing Reg has touched their lives.
In the past seven months while battling cancer, Reg’s character never wavered no matter how difficult the road. He faced this illness like he faced life–with 100 percent effort.
Reg, we’re going to miss you always.
A special thanks to Dr. Kaethler, who made it possible for Reg to be at home as he wished.
A celebration of Reg’s life took place Friday, Sept. 25, 1998 at 2 p.m. at Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church (360 McKenzie Avenue) in Steinbach, Man.
Interment followed at the Blumenort Cemetery.
Donations may be made to the Southland Community Free Church Benevolent Fund.