Page 10 - Summer 2014 World of Welding

THE WORLD OF WELDING http://www.welding.org

REMEMBERING RON FAST

Ronald D. Fast, 80, died Thursday, A celebration of Ron’s life was held at 11 a.m. Saturday,
February 20, 2014, at his home. March 1, 2014 at the Pleasant Hill Church of the
Ron was connected to the Hobart Brethren, Pleasant Hill, Ohio. The family requests
Institute throughout his entire memorial contributions be made in Ron’s memory to
36-year career, from the time he Hospice of Miami County or the Pleasant Hill History
attended as a student and worked Center Building Fund.
as a welding instructor until his
retirement on June 28, 1996 as THE TEST
Director of Technical Training
and Marketing Communications. By Ron Fast
During some of the intervening
Editorial note:
years, Ron was employed at Hobart Brothers Company One of the things Ron enjoyed was writing poetry and short
as a welding technician, product manager, and marketing articles for The World of Welding. This poem was printed in 1996.
manager and was Hobart Brothers Milestone Club
member. As I sit here mesmerized by the light,
Somehow it seems that all is right.
Ron was born at home January 19, 1934 in Polk, Ohio to I am doing what I love best.
the late Urban and Irene (Sage) Fast. They preceded him I am ready and know I can pass this test.
in death. He married Margaret (Peg) Snider on May 29, No matter the position, no matter the size,
1954, at the Pleasant Hill Church of the Brethren. She I can weld this test with no compromise
survives.
The hood drops down and the arc is struck.
Other survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Lesa I know I can do it – but I’ll take some luck.
and Dan Delcamp of Covington, Ohio; son, Matthew The rod is burning, the sparks are flying,
Fast of Troy, Ohio; 2 grandsons, Lucas (Abby) Delcamp Into the root and the sidewalls it’s tying.
of Troy, Ohio and Ben Delcamp of Buda, Texas; beloved My hand is steady and the puddle runs even.
great-grandson, Owen Delcamp of Troy, Ohio; brother No wagon tracks or holes am I leavin’.
Robert (Glenna) Fast of Tipp City, Ohio and Carol
(Richard) Barns of Mobile, Alabama; and brother-in-law The hammer and brush get rid of the slag;
Now I ain’t one who would normally brag.
Fred (Kristine) Snider of Troy, Ohio.
This baby is as pretty a weld as ever was laid!
They can x-ray, bend or pull; I know I’ve got it made.
Ron graduated from Newton High School in 1952 What’s that you say? I can’t believe my ears!
and served in the U.S. Army with the 82nd Airborne You’re tellin’ me I broke out?
Division. Ron was a member of the Pleasant Hill Church Man that’s the worst of my fears!
of the Brethren where he served on several commissions
and also as Sunday School teacher and superintendent. I guess that old weldin’ machine wasn’t runnin’ right.
He was a member of the Brukner Nature Center and the With this news, I know where I’ll be tonight!
Brukner Nature Carvers wood carving club, where he Mister, I’m new in town.
served as Vice-President for 2 years. He enjoyed antique Can you show me the closest bar?
tractors, woodcarving, fishing, hunting, canoeing, hiking, I’ll drink ’til I forget the pain.
downhill skiing, running, and most of all his family. Ron Then it’s down the road in my old car.
was a member of the International Society of Poets and
was published in several magazines and anthologies. He Maybe I can test out in this next town.
also self-published two books of poetry. I can’t remember when I’ve been this far down.
Somehow my luck ain’t the best.
His body was donated to the Boonshoft School of ’Cause this is the first time I ever failed my test.
Medicine at Wright State University. Forty years welding has been my rage.
Now I’m gray and can’t see to good,
Maybe it’s time to admit my age!

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