Raymond Fast

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Dr. Raymond Garry Fast

1936 - 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Raymond Fast, our Husband and Dad, on July 26 at the age of 89. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Helen (Lane) to whom he was married 64 years. He will also be remembered by his Daughter, Lori (Brad) Armstrong along with their children Thomas and Pamela, Son, Garry (Donna Schweitzer) Fast, along with their sons Jackson and Maxwell. Ray is also survived by his brother Lindsay (Joan) Fast and sister Dolores Jeffares, and in-laws Lillian Bartel, Harold (Kim) Lane, Harvey (Barbara) Lane, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Ben and Mary (Thiessen) Fast, and Helen's parents Bill and Mary (Peters) Lane, and Brother-in-law David Jeffares.

Ray was born in Saskatoon, on January 17, 1936. Raised near Aberdeen where he attended Lily School for ten years (His father was his only teacher.) He attended Rosthern Junior College, Saskatoon Teacher's College and Universities of Saskatchewan (B.ED.), Alberta (M.ED.), and Pennsylvania State (Ph.D.) In 1960 He married Helen Lane whom he had known since childhood but met again at a nurse's dance. He credits her for putting him through many years of graduate school.

Ray taught in Lakeburg and Renfrew one roomed schools, and Senlac. He was Principal of Big Valley and Calmar Schools in Alberta, Superintendent in Bonnyville-Cold Lake School Division, President of Red Deer College, and was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister of Higher Education in Alberta. That was followed by a twenty-year Career as Director of Education of the Saskatoon Public School Division, from which he retired in 1994.

Following retirement, he served as Acting President of Kelsey Institute in Saskatoon and spent many years consulting for various Philanthropic NGOs in Jamaica, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan and Slovakia. Together with Helen they have visited approximately ninety countries either through work or as tourists. He was elected President of the Canadian Education Association, and the Canadian Organization for Development through Education. In 1991 he as named the Outstanding Educational Administrator in Canada, and in 1992 received a medal of merit for service to his country.

Ray was a lover of life and especially enjoyed: spending holidays with Helen and the Family; watching the Riders and Blue Jays; fishing at Jan Lake with Brad and the Crew; golfing with the MOB; attending family and class reunions; attending semi-annual breakfasts with his fellow Superintendents; cheering for the Oilers with his brother Lindsay; hours of phone conversations with his Sister Dolly; shooting baskets with his Grandsons; playing cards and board games with his Grand Daughter; and, telling TALL tales with all of his Nieces and Nephews. He was especially proud of the accomplishments of his Children and Grandchildren.

The Family would like to thank the wonderful Staff and Doctors at the Saskatoon Cancer Centre and Royal University Hospital. We appreciated receiving the many thoughts and prayers during Dad's illness. We would also like to express our gratitude for the care and support from Nutana Park Mennonite Church and Pastor Patrick Preheim.

Dad's Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 23, 2025 @ 2:30pm, at Nutana Park Mennonite Church, with lunch and visiting to follow. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee of Saskatchewan (MCC), and Saskatoon Foundation for Student Bursaries, or a Charity of your Choice.

Doctor Raymond Garry Fast will be missed by Family and All who knew Him. We will always cherish and remember Ray's own words from his Autobiography: " I wrote my book for my Children and Grandchildren, and all who were interested. You can rise from poverty to pursue dreams, and ultimately be of service to God, Mankind and the World. I am Grateful to everyone who touched my Life."