In the spring of this year, we lost one of our finest community builders. Alex Fast, with the support of his wife Emily and family, expended countless hours of volunteer service, and in the process helped to change the face of Niverville.
In education, he taught school for many years and then served as chairperson of the Niverville School District. With the consolidation of schools, he ran as a school trustee and served on the Hanover School Division for many years.
In business, he assumed ownership of Wm. Dyck and Sons and was responsible for the construction of the main store that presently occupies the corner of Main Street and 5th Avenue. It is safe to assume that he was the community’s largest employer for many years. Alex was also the first significant developer in Niverville. He was responsible for the development of all the residential lands north of Spruce Street and also saw the first major development of commercial properties when he developed the lands south of Cedar Drive.
Alex had a love of recreation and sport and worked tirelessly as a member of the original Niverville Recreation Commission. He played a significant role in the building of the Niverville Centennial Arena in 1967. His financial investments to other community endeavours were known to only a few.
In politics, he was involved at both the provincial and national level for many years. He also served a term as an elected councillor in the Town of Niverville.
He was a person of deep faith and for many years was involved in what is now known as Fourth Avenue Bible Church. As a lay minister, he taught Sunday School and would occasionally take the lead in sharing the Sunday morning service. His love for the Gideons extended through the better part of his life. Alex often acknowledged that his relationship with God was the essence of his life.
The relationship he had to family is better documented in the obituary which was posted after his passing. However, to the community his legacy lives on. In so many spheres of influence, I see his contribution today.
John F. Kennedy once said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country.” Alex Fast was that kind of man. He loved his community and we are the benefactors of that care. May the memory of his life never leave us, and may each of us determine to leave this world having given more than we have taken.
