Ernst William Fast

Ernst (Ernie) William Fast was born March 15th, 1932, in the town of Hepburn, Saskatchewan, to Abram Fast and Elsie Esau. He was the oldest of 8 children, John, Cory, Hedy, Ed, Marlene, Evelyn, and Katherine.

At the age of 12, Ernie and his family moved to Abbotsford, BC; they settled into the hunting lodge on Old Yale Road, which became the family home that held many cherished memories for him, his siblings, and their families.

Ernie attended Briercrest Bible College, where he met the love of his life and wife of 55 years, Marilyn Long.

As a young couple with a growing family, they moved to Prince George for a few years and then returned to Abbotsford, where they resided as their children grew into adults. Ernie worked for Rempel Brothers concrete for 25 years until he retired. His nickname during his working career was "Smiley" because of his attitude of positive engagement with other people.

In 1995, Ernie and Marilyn moved to Summerland, where they lived out the rest of their days. Ernie attended the Alliance Church in Summerland and was involved with his church and community. He was passionate about volunteering and connecting with people. He prioritized being available to support Awana Clubs and looked forward to work bees at Eagle Bay Camp and his church. Ernie loved to be an usher and greeter at Sunday services; it allowed him to connect and care for his community. Anyone who knew Ernie would say he invested in people and their lives. He inspired others, lifted them up, and will be remembered for his faith and for living it in his daily life.

Ernie loved being in nature and enjoyed hiking, fishing, camping, boating, and travelling with family and friends.

One of Ernie's greatest joys was music, which began in his home as a child, where his family would gather and spend hours harmonizing and singing. He enjoyed singing with his family and in Choirs throughout his life. The group of men that formed his church quartet and the Okanagan Christian Men's Choir became a place of deep friendships and community for him, especially after Marilyn passed away in 2012.

Ernie loved his family and left them with a lifetime of cherished memories. He will be remembered and sadly missed by his children Cheryl, Bonnita (Terry), Angela (Warren) and Pamela (Andrew); his six grandchildren Justin (Monika), Brittin (Ryan), Marissa (Peter), Anishia (Marco), Jared (Ali) and David; great-grandchild Bo Ryan; sisters Marlene (Henry), Evelyn, and Katherine (Jim); sisters-in-law Pat, Ruth, and Tina; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Ernie was predeceased by his loving wife Marilyn; parents Abram and Elsie Fast; brothers John, Cory, and Ed; sister Hedy; brothers-in-laws Earl and Andy; and son-in-law Allan.

Ernie was laid to rest on February 4th, and a Celebration of Life will follow on July 22nd, 2023, at Summerland Alliance Church, 14820 Victoria Road North, at 1:00 pm. Memorial donations can be made in Ernie's name to Our Daily Bread Ministries Canada.

Proverbs 3:5-6