Anton Raymond "Tony" Fast, Center City, MN

A resident of Center City, MN, Tony passed away Wednesday, November 24, 2021, after a long and courageous battle with Bronchiectasis and Parkinson's Disease. Tony was born June 21, 1943, in St. Paul, MN. He is survived by his beloved wife and care giver Jean McRell Fast of 27 years. They spent over two decades together on Pioneer Lake. Tony is survived by his children Tanya, Julie (Jim), Eric and stepdaughter Lori; 6 grandchildren: Jose Antonio, Maria Lydia, Isabel, Mackenzie, Jacob and Adeline; his siblings: Tom (Susan), Theresa (Roger), Tamara and Trudy; 8 nieces and nephews; and his best friend Greg Egan. He is preceded in death by his parents Tony L. Fast and Alma Hoveland Fast, and his first wife Leigh McMullen. Tony grew up and lived most of his life in Vadnais Heights, MN. He graduated from White Bear Lake High School in 1961. Tony was a US Army veteran. Tony worked most of his life as a finish carpenter. At age 47, he started his own carpentry business, "Tony the Carpenter". His son Eric joined the business. Tony was a devoted family man, a good provider, and a hard worker – his hands were never idle. He remained close to his mother, siblings, children and extended family throughout his days. Tony was a craftsman, a builder, refinisher of homes and furniture and an award-winning wood turner. He is remembered as a lifelong organic gardener, an avid fisherman and hunter, a novice and planter of native plants for insects and wildlife, a caretaker of the natural world, a bird watcher and feeder, a novice of Native American cultures, a traveler, a philanthropist of conservation. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Waverly Gardens for their wonderful care and friendship in Tony's last days.