Arnold Ernest Fast

Arnold Ernest Fast passed away on April 17, 2025 at the Chilliwack General Hospital at 91 years of age after a brief illness. He was born in Beaverlodge, Alberta on February 24, 1934 to Cornelius and Margareta Fast. Arnold is survived by his children Arnold Jr (Kelly); Carla Fast (Chris); Charles (Candace), his grandchildren Stacy Danstev (Danylo) and their children Arthur, Nadia & Fedir; Dustin Fast; Perry Unger (Erin) and their children Evgeny and Esme; Marlee Riskin (Ashley) and their children Lexi, Walter, Warren and Eleanor; Hailey Laderoute (Dakota) and their children Hunter & Callie; Emily Peter (Brad); Riley Fast (Kaylee). He is also survived by his brother Arthur (Dorothy) and his sister Frieda Jong (George), his brother-in-law Harold Funk (Alice), his sister-in-law Evelyn Neufeld, brother-in-law Hank Funk (Elaine) and sister-in-law Deborah Magnus (Dieter) as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Cornelius and Margareta Fast, by his wife, Viola, and by his adopted sister, Rita Voth.

Arnold’s early years were spent in Beaverlodge and Ryley, AB. In 1947, the Fast family moved to BC and settled in Chilliwack. Arnold always had a passion for farming & truck driving; the majority of his working years were spent driving feed or gravel truck, and growing chickens. In 1959, he married Viola Funk and together they lived a very full life; they were very supportive & involved in the lives of their children and grand-children, were active members of the Chilliwack Alliance Church, and traveled extensively … enjoying retirement until Viola’s passing in 2011. In his latter years, Arnold made several road trips to Alaska, planted & tended many bountiful vegetable gardens, and also continued to enjoy his weekly ice skating & bowling games; in no way was he deterred by his age and continued to live life to its fullest until a few short weeks prior to his passing. Arnold was blessed by the friendship of his special friend, Judy, and together they enjoyed many outings and activities.

Arnold was a dedicated and loving husband, dad, grandpa and great grandpa. He was a reserved, respectful and quiet gentleman, who lived by example … not by many words. His integrity, exemplary work ethic, and the way he consistently lived out his Christian faith has left a lasting legacy for his family. All of our lives were touched and made so much richer because of his steadfast love and support, and he will be greatly missed.

Pallbearers: Charles Fast, Riley Fast, Chris DeVries, Perry Unger, Arnie Fast, Ashley Riskin

Honorary Pallbearers: Dustin Fast, Danylo Danstev, Dakota Laderoute, Brad Peter

Viewing will be on May 8th, 2025 between 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Henderson’s Funeral Home, 45901 Victoria Avenue, Chilliwack.

Graveside service will be on May 9th, 2025 at 10:30 am at the Chilliwack Cemeteries, 10010 Hillcrest Drive Chilliwack, followed by a memorial service at the Chilliwack Alliance Church, 8700 Young Road Chilliwack at 1:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to MCC in memory of Arnold.