Roger Dean Fast, 68, of Marshall, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family, on November 20, 2022, after a lengthy but courageous battle with cancer.
He was born on April 29, 1954 in Albion, Michigan to Clarence and Evelyn (Reynolds) Fast. Roger was the youngest of four children. His siblings; Marcille, Eugene and Dennis. Growing up, he was raised on a small farm in Eckford, where he attended a quaint, country school and made many friends that would remain throughout his entire life and whom he loved dearly. It was on this farm, with the knowledge and support of his father, that his passion for horses flourished.
Roger attended Marshall Public Schools where he was an outstanding student and a friend to many. He graduated in 1972. In that same year, he married Myranda Pytlowany, and also welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Heidi, into this world. Together, they would continue to welcome three more daughters into the family, Jennifer, Ashley, and Lindsay. Roger relished being a dad and loved every moment of it. He adored his girls more than anything in this world. He was their biggest fan, and he was their hero. After 21 years of marriage, Roger and Myranda would divorce, however, their daughters would thrive knowing they were loved and valued.
Roger started his career at Kellogg’s when he was 18, he would continue there for decades to come and eventually retire from. There, he established friendships that would last a lifetime and he was forever grateful for the memories that were made. He always had stories from the “Kellogg's days”. He was an avid member of 4-H. He not only was involved in 4-H as a child, but he would go on to become one of the most admired and influential people in the program, and even received the “Legend of 4-H” award. Roger was a leader for the very successful horse club known as “Rebel Riders” for more than 30 years while raising his own children. He dedicated so much of his time to 4-H and did so because he truly believed that the program helped the communities youth become the best version of themselves and build life skills like confidence, independence, resilience, and compassion - all attributes Roger radiated himself.
His love for people and horses would allow him to own and operate his own horse farm where he would breed, raise, and show Quarter Horses. He and his girls would never miss a weekend of showing. He taught and trained many people in his horse career and enjoyed being a horseman to the fullest extent. He would playfully joke that he was the 1972 Calhoun County barrel-racing champion, and that is where it all started.
Some of Rogers favorite things to do was attend the Calhoun County fair every year, with the goal of eating every kind of fair food there was. Of course, he loved socializing with old and new friends. He also loved traveling to Columbus’s "All American Quarter Horse Congress” and hadn’t missed it for 50 years! He was a true diehard cowboy. He also loved camping, gardening, and traveling. Naturally, Roger just simply loved being wherever his daughters and grandchildren were and never missed an occasion to be together. Spending quality time with his family was his top priority.
Roger truly was a friend to all. His smile and personality would light up a room. He was a sweet and gentle soul, with a captivating sense of humor and could make anyone laugh. He was someone you could confide in without judgement, get great advice from, to laugh with, cry to, rely on, inspire you, or to find the right words when there weren’t any. A humble and honest man to the core and a leader in his community. He was an amazing coach, and mentor to all ages. But above all else, Roger was the epitome of a great father. He considered being a dad, his highest calling and most meaningful privilege! It was well noted by all who encountered him. Among many things, Roger will be remembered for his compassion, grace, integrity, and positivity.
Roger is survived by his daughters, Heidi Fast, Jennifer (Jason) McIntyre, Ashley (DJ) Mead, and Lindsay (Cy) Willavize; grandchildren, Tyler Sullivan, Jaylin and Kelsie Mead, Ryland, Hudson and Beckham McIntyre, as well as Vanna and CJ Willavize; his brother, Dennis (Darlene) Fast; and many nieces; nephews; and close friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Evelyn Fast; his brother, Eugene “Fuzz” Fast; his sister, Marcille Katz; and nieces, Lori (Katz) Cooper, and Brenda (Katz) Jenkins.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068. Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 27, 2022 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm and 6:00pm – 8:00pm as well as Monday, November 28, 2022 from 10:00am – 11:00am with the funeral service and celebration of life beginning at 11:00am, Pastor Travis Davis officiating. A committal service will follow at Fairview Cemetery, 24875 M Dr S, Homer, MI 49245.
In remembrance of Roger, his family has established a memorial fund in his honor, and all proceeds will go towards the Calhoun County 4-H youth horse barn for a new PA speaker system, which is something Roger wanted to do for years. To contribute, you may use this link https://givingto.msu.edu/gift/?sid=14211 . If you prefer, checks can be made payable to MSU Calhoun County 4-H and can be given to a funeral home associate or mailed to Calhoun County Offices, MSU Extension, Attn: Kathy Fischer, 315 W. Green Street, Marshall, MI 49068.
With humble gratitude, he himself would say, “Roger that...over and out! :-)
To share a memory, leave a condolence or sign the online guestbook please visit https://kempffuneralhome.com .
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