Father of ten says his favorite thing is watching his children succeed

Todd Fast Family at an anniversary celebration. Todd is in the center. His since-deceased wife, Josephine, is holding his hand. Top row, from left - Todd Fast Jr., John Palmer, Tina Palmer, Greg Fast, Tami Fast, Sue Oswald, Ken Oswald. Middle row from left - Omparo Fast, Linda Dodd, Kim Weber-Fast, and Julie. Front Row-Rick Fast, Josephine Fast (late spouse), Todd Fast, Margaret Fast, and  (out of frame) Gary Fast.



By Nina Alden

Reverend Todd Fast Sr. is a father of ten, and says that his favorite thing about being a dad is watching his children succeed.

Fast raised five daughters and five sons. He always strives to set a good example for his children.

Passing on his personal values of truth, fairness, and honesty, he is proud that his children have become thoughtful spouses and parents, saying, “It’s a blessing.”

His favorite memory of raising his kids is playing games in the backyard from the time they were old enough to walk.

As a former minister, it is no new thing for Reverend Fast to offer up counsel, so when we asked him what wisdom he would pass on to all the new fathers out there, he warmly replied, 

“Be there when your children need you; don’t be an absentee father. Children need positive male role models.” 

Reverend Fast credits his late wife, Josephine, for helping him become a great father. Married 65 years, Fast says that their secure partnership, unwavering teamwork, and continual support for one another built a strong foundation for raising their children.

So what does Father’s Day mean to this devoted family man and retired minister?  “Not a whole lot,” Fast says, “it doesn’t hold the same weight as Mother’s Day. There’s something special about the strength that the mother has in the family. It’s not just temporal, but spiritual as well. Husbands need to be reminded that they can learn from their wives. I loved my wife—that’s for sure.”

With Father’s Day this Sunday, Reverend Fast reflects upon his life and expresses gratitude for his ten children, stating, “Our kids always depended upon us, but now, I depend upon them.”

Nina Alden works in the Life Enrichment Department at Aegis of Shoreline where Todd Fast lives.