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Arthur Fast Obituary
Arthur Fast, 88, of San Pedro, California passed away on Thursday, September 13, 2012. He was born and raised in New York and lived in the South Bay for over 50 years. Mr. Fast was a WWII veteran and photo journalist. He was a member of the 458th Bomb Group based in Norwich England who returned to the U.S. on the Queen Mary in July 1945. Arthur's passion was the theater and his photographs. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ardis, with whom he traveled the world. Mr. Fast is survived by his sister, Thelma Rosenthal of Florida; two daughters, April Diedrich and Annette Rees; and his grandson, Carwyn Rees. No services are planned. Please sign the guest book at www.dailybreeze.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Arthur Fast
Ron
September 12, 2025
We can´t believe Arthur has been gone for so long. He was a pleasure to have for a neighbor and so full of interesting stories.
Alan Strickland
June 2, 2023
Thinking of Arthur today! I still appreciate his friendship and kindness.
This was a note Arthur had written me when he gave me a WW II calendar which featured some of his photos.
Alan Strickland
November 22, 2017
Arthur was very proud of his Cherry Blossoms.
Alan Strickland
June 9, 2017
Alan Strickland
March 22, 2013
I had the great pleasure of meeting and getting to know Arthur over a decade ago when he attended performances at the venue I work for. He had wonderful stories about his theater experiences in New York. We shared an interest in photography, so there was rarely a pause in conversations.
I feel very fortunate to have been someone he chose to share his stories with. The one I will never forget is how upon returning to the US after the war aboard the QM, he was too short to see the Statue of Librrty as the ship full of soldiers sailed into New York. He told me several Canadian troops lifted him upon their shoulders to see. As he told me, his eyes welled up with tears as he relived that moment.
I wish we could have chatted more.
September 21, 2012
Annette,
Every spring will bring sakura blossoms and memories. Every fall will bring poinsettia blossoms and a mental note to prune in May. Every May 5th will bring visions of koi kites. Your Dad and Mom were a wonderful example of a couple who grew rich from their shared experiences. My children and I really enjoyed your parents. Meeting you and your beautiful saluki gave me another wonderful 'Fast' memory and another reason to smile when I pass that corner. May your family find a calmness and many happy memories.
Fondly,
Maryann Lane
Gig Harbor, WA
.christina (Welsh) Brown
September 19, 2012
If I ever wanted to know about anything Arthur Fast was the one to ask. He would give us the complete history along with what it was we needed to know in the first place.
With that fond memory and many more we will miss him.
Maria Roemer
September 18, 2012
We will hold dear our many memories of Mr. Fast, and the truly fascinating stories of his remarkable life that he shared with us.
We will remember his kind interest in our daughters' dramatic endeavors and his tremendous love for the Japanese culture. Sayonara Arthur
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