Our Dad, Terry Linn Fast of Wolf Point, MT, died at the Trinity Hospital on January 13, 2019 after suffering a heart attack. He was 70 years old. Our lives will never be the same.
He was born on November 22, 1948 in Glasgow, MT to our Grandparents Marvin and Esther (Fast) Fast. He was the second of 7 children and our Gramma always reminded us he was such a good baby. Our Dad loved horses. He spent much of his time even as a very young boy riding around the farm. When he was 6 our Grampa told him he would buy him a new saddle if he stopped sucking his thumb. He never sucked his thumb again!
Our Dad went to school through 8th grade in Lustre, MT, including the first 2 years where he spent his days in a one room country school house called Center Bell School. He graduated from Wolf Point High School in 1967. Gramma told us he always came up with the best excuses when he was late coming home from school. It was either a flat tire or he had to give someone a ride, either way he always got away with it. Our Dad’s charming personality was evident at an early age.
Dad was athletic; he loved track and football best. His high school football coach told our Grandparents no matter what the score, even if they were far behind, Dad played like he was on the winning team. The coach’s wife loved our Dad and told Gramma she wanted to keep him as one of her own. He also earned a scholarship to play for the Northern Lights football team at Northern MT College in Havre, MT. While he was there, he earned his associates degree in Diesel Technology.
In 1970 our Dad married our Mom, June Hanel, and shortly after joined the National Guard. He received the Outstanding Award for cleanest rifle in the Guards. This is about the time I came along and my Dad named me, Tiffany. My Brother Shawn followed 2 years behind me and then 6 years after him came Jonah. Our parents were divorced in 1997.
Our Dad was in the car business for most of his adult life, starting as a mechanic, then a salesman, and finally the owner of Terrible Terry’s Camrud Motors. Gramma told us one time he sold more cars than many larger markets on the west coast and was recognized with several of Chrysler’s prestigious Five Star Awards for overall customer satisfaction. He was a successful businessman and at one point was the longest continuously operating Dodge dealer in the state of Montana. After he sold his business he still showed up to work 6 days a week to sell cars and trucks because that’s what he loved to do and because of his many loyal customers who had become his friends.
Even though Dad was very busy with his business, he still found time to do the things he loved most. When he bought his first team of Percheron Draft Horses they were a big part of his life. His day was made if he could give someone a ride on one of his wagons that he refurbished himself. Dad attended many wagon trains with his team and was a part of the Montana Centennial Cattle Drive of ’89. He told stories about his experience there right up until the end. He also loved to rope and help out with Brookman Rodeo events. He traveled to many rodeos to help out behind the scenes and proudly watched the Brookman livestock buck. They became family to him, too. Without a doubt, the rodeo life is where he shined the most.
Dad was diagnosed with a rare form of Macular Degeneration when he was only 49 years old. This impaired his vision greatly and significantly changed his life. He said when he received the diagnosis he allowed himself to feel sorry for himself for one day. That was it, one day. Our Dad didn’t let anything slow him down, not even his debilitating eyesight. Our Grampa was a praying man and he made sure to include my dad’s eyesight in his daily prayers.
Gramma is known to say, “Look for the blessings even in the hard times because they are always there”. In 2007 Mona (Simensen) Soliday, a nurse originally from Wolf Point, living in Kalispell MT, heard about our Dad’s eye condition and wrote to offer him some remedies she thought could help. Shortly after this Mona moved to Glasgow and they went on their first date. Dad took her to Chinese dinner where he ate his whole plate and what was left on hers, too! In 2010 they were married. Gramma was right again, there is always a blessing.
Dad was preceded in death by his father Marvin Fast. He is survived by his wife Mona of Wolf Point, his three children; Tiffany (Kevin) Rauch of Billings, MT, Shawn (Gabi) of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and Jonah (Misty) Fast of Bend, OR. Mona’s children Rob (Kayla) Soliday of Edwall, WA, Rhett (Kim) Soliday of Santa Ana, CA and Rocky (Holly) Soliday of Costa Mesa, CA, his many grandchildren and great children whom he loved, his mother Esther Fast of Glasgow, MT, his in-laws Kastor and Lona Simensen of Fort Peck, MT, his brother Gary (Marcia)Fast of Lustre, MT, his sister Wanda (Tom) Ault of Fort Peck, MT, his brother Dale Fast from Salem OR, his sister Glenda (Bill) Fladager from Scobey, MT, his brother Rick (Alicia) Fast from Turner, OR and his brother Kevin Fast from Belgrade, MT, his Uncle Harvey (Gladys) Fast of Glasgow, MT, Aunt Erma (Irwin) Penner of Dallas, OR, and many more members of our large extended family.
Gramma’s words are comforting to us, “Your Dad is in heaven because he knew and accepted the Lord”. She reminds us he was greeted by our Grampa and he can now see perfectly.
We would like to invite you to a Remembrance with family and friends on Friday, January 18th at 7pm at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point, MT. There will also be a memorial service on Saturday, January 19 at 11am at First Lutheran Church in Wolf Point, MT.
A special thanks goes out to the Trinity Hospital staff, the ambulance crew, and all the many friends and family who are offering their support through many acts of kindness. We are eternally grateful.
Should friends desire, memorials may be sent to First Lutheran Church in Wolf Point, MT at 415 Johnson Street.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences can be sent to the family by using the form below.
Wally and Earlene Sexton says
We’ll miss Terry, he always had a good word for everyone. Our condolences to the family.
Allen Sandaker says
Terry I know you are in heaven, and I am thankful so much for that and how you assisted me in coming to the LORD to receive my salvation. I will see you there soon but just yet GOD willing. I was thinking of the many things we had done, remodeling our houses, hunting, fishing, soft ball, and flag football. I was chuckling about the time you, me, and RJ was pulling Frank Haradas boat up north at Tobin lake in Canada and the boat came loose on the trailer we had to slow down and let the boat catch us by running into my pickup. Frank was following us, can you imagine what they were saying. Also you were playing drums on my dash while RJ and I were singing, I guess you were singing also just didn’t, sound like it lol. Our many softball trips, hunting trips and long talks on some Friday nights maybe including beer. I will miss those. There are so many times it would hours to recall them all. Thank you for showing how stay strong with your macular degeneration. I admired the way youn just kept going and doing what you do, you told me once back 82 when my company failed when I was feeling sorry for myself that it is like getting bucked off a horse. You suggested that maybe I should quit sniffling and just get back on. Thank you, you were just always there to talk to. Sometimes I think you thought I was 50 feet away from you cause talked pretty loud, nana just joking. In the last 30 years I really appreipcated letting me stay at you house when would come thru for golf or whatever. I now have to find another car salesman as honest as you. That could be oxemoron an honest car sales man? You were. You honestly are one of the very few real friends that always was there maybe just to listen. I could go on for hours but I,m still on world time. I will pray for your family and will see you again soon, just not yet. See you later good friend.
Christine Holler-Dinsmore says
Mona, Deepest sympathy on the death of Terry. He was a faithful Christian. I will always remember the Christmas Carol hayride that he made possible for the young people, his faithful attendance at men’s bible study, his attendance at worship, and his no fanfare assistance at Church. He was a blessing to the community of Wolf Point. May the love of God, family and friends help in bringing healing during your grief. Raising you and the family up in prayer.
Pr. Chris Holler-Dinsmore
Eilleen Wilcoxon says
I`m so sorry to see that Terry has passed. A great guy. He will be missed by everyone.
Pauline Azure-Feuvray says
Mona I am sorry for the loss of your husband. God bless the family.
Jer Watterson says
“Rise & shine, trainees!”
Terry, despite his drill instructor tendencies, made some fine sleepover flapjacks.
Thanks for the memories, for sponsoring youth athletics, & for your countless other efforts that benefitted our hometown.
Cole Brookman says
So sorry for your loss. He was a great man and a pillar to the Wolf Point community. He would be proud of the beautiful obituary you wrote. Prayers to your family from mine. Hope you find some peace. God Bless
Gordon Kesler says
Terry was a wonderful man and I always enjoyed being around him when I was judging rodeos. I will miss his gentle spirit. Prayers for his entire family. I will miss Terry at Brookmans rodeos.
Scott Taylor says
Mona…Gail and I are so sorry to hear about Terry.. but know with assuredly He’s in the presence of Almighty God..and even though you’ve been back in Wolf Point for some time now…we’ve yet to see you….That has got to change!….Our thoughts…our prayers…and our Love go out to you Mona…your old neighbor…Tado
Virgil and Kathy Rauch says
We were sad to hear about Terry’s death. The Fast family is in our thoughts and prayers. May the Lord comfort and bless all of you.
Jason Partridge says
I wish I could just be saying this to Terry himself, but I want to thank you for what you have taught me and showed me in business and in life over the past 7 plus years that I have spent with you almost daily. It has been quite a learning experience. You giving Jack and I your knowledge that you have accumulated over decades but still haven’t touched the surface of what you knew. Things will definitely be quiet with not hearing that loud voice talking to people or while on the phone. I always wondered if the person you were talking to had to hold the phone away from their ear. You will always be remembered for the person you were and the thoughtful man I saw. Our first trip to look at a vehicle was to Fort Peck and of course I drove, as we passed through Nashua you said let’s stop at Bergies on the way back. Yes it was a good idea, especially after he left with the customers on a test drive that I thought would take a few minutes. Thirty minutes later as I have been babysitting two toddlers they came back. Beer was more in my thoughts now, not ice cream. Walking into Bergies and without hesitation you ordered maple nut and I asked for the same. “We are out”. You then ask for another flavor “We are out of that also, whatever you can read up on the board is what we have” you looked up at the board and hit me on the shoulder and said “ I will just have what you are having”. I laughed a little know you couldn’t read it. I ordered some cherry something and to this day have been apologizing because we agreed I wasn’t a good choice. Many things you did made me laugh. I thank you for the many memories in such a short time.
My thoughts and prayers will be with Mona, Tiffany, Shawn, Jonah, family and friends. Terry will always be remembered.
Shirley Tillie says
Deepest sympathy to all your family members.Terry you were always a great person to visit with on the NE Montana Wagon Train.Too young to be gone so soon.RIP with a horse and a car.
Carol Neutgens says
Mona and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. May God give you comfort and let your memories comfort you.
Carol
Sharon C Wemmer says
My deepest sympathies to the family ,
Terry was always part of life in Wolf Point for me, from being my boss, to being my neighbor and wagon train buddy. The biggest part of my memories of Terry was his gracious heart. He would pick Taylor up for church and come and get her and take her on wagon rides and show up to ball games and most things she participated in. I am not sure he knew how much that was appreciated but I want the family to know that it was! He was a good guy with a great big heart and I am sure Wolf Point will miss him!
May your memories of him get you through the days ahead.
In Sympathy,
Sharon Wemmer
Donn & Debbie Schutt says
Tiff, Mona, & family, We are so very sorry for loss!!! Terry will be missed by all that he came in contact with. He was a very special man who left so many wonderful memories with so many people.
You are all in our prayers!!
We wanted to be there Saturday for you but just don’t feel that Donn could make the trip at this time. We will be there with you in thought & spirit. We love you!! May God give you all peace & comfort knowing that Terry is in heaven and one day you will be able to be with him again, for eternity!!
Melissa Sexton says
I have worked with Terry for almost 24 years. He hired me in March of 1995 so it’s going to be really odd around here without his constant presence. I wish I could remember all of Terry’s sayings, but the one that stands out the most is “What a guy oughta do…” and Jonah mimicking him perfectly. I have heard about the Amish in Iowa a zillion times, lots of fishing stories (probably watered down) and of course wagon train, horse and rodeo stories. I’m sure he worked out the world’s problems as he paced these floors talking to himself. He also had unprecedented popcorn making skills, you always knew where Terry was by the trail of popcorn! And boy did he love to sell cars!! He still got so excited even after all of these years to close a deal. My parents were his very last sale. I have always admired Terry with his attitude regarding his Macular Degeneration. He could have stopped working and felt sorry for himself, but he didn’t. He faced it head on with dignity and guts. He didn’t let him stop him and I found that inspiring. I will miss him. Hugs and prayers to Mona, Tiffany, Shawn, Jonah and all of his family.
Jackie says
“When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.” ― Kahlil Gibran
Your tears are of genuine love. Permission for lots of tears of love. Drink water when overwhelmed. Sorry for your loss!
Chris and Fawn says
Even in the (too) short amount of time we got to spend with Terry it was clear that this was a man who’s first thoughts and concerns were for others. An incredibly helpful and selfless person who helped us greatly through a tough time. Seemed everyone knew and liked him. He will be greatly missed by us and by his large circle of friends and loved ones.
Cindy Scanlan says
So very sorry to hear of Terry’s passing far to soon. I had the pleasure of working with Terry through out my car career. When at a lose needing help you could always count on his guidance. True gentleman through and through. My deepest condolences to all who loved this man. He shall be missed by many.
Dale S says
Condolences to the family. I liked Terry! A good man.
Kristi Shipstead says
Glenda and family of Terry, I am so sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Marian Montclair says
To the families of Terry Fast,
I don’t think any of Mr. Fast’s family knows me, my name is Marian Montclair and I use to work for the Wotanin Wowapi newspaper in 1987 up to 2005. It was while I was working there when I met Mr. Fast thru his advertising in our weekly newspaper. At first he seemed like he didn’t want to advertise with the Wotanin Wowapi but I kept going back every week and soon made friends with Terry and he started advertising with us. Then when my sister Bonnie Red Elk and I started the Fort Peck Journal in 2006, I went to see Terry and he started advertising in the Fort Peck Journal next. We, my sister and I were fired from the Fort Peck Tribes newspaper, the Wotanin Wowapi, that was how the Fort Peck Journal came about. I was sorry to hear about your loss, losing Terry at such a young age, it seems God always takes the good ones home earlier then the rest of us! I know what it feels like to lose a loved one, as I lost 2 sons within 11 months of each other then my sister Bonnie passed away 27 days after I lost my son in May, 2015 (he was the youngest of 7 sons) and my sister passed away in June, 2015 and the oldest of the 7 sons passed away in April, 2016. It seems when Jesus calls one home, He always seems to take the one who is most loved, wanted and needed. I know that I needed, wanted and loved all of my family members who passed on but I also know that they all went to a better place. I know I will see them all again when it is my turn to “go home” with Jesus. May the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be with you all in your time of loss. Terry was a good man, it seems Jesus always takes the good ones first!