David Daniel Fast, of Grand Rapids, MI, born May 1, 1993, was a cherished son, beloved and goofy brother, special grandson, uncle, cousin, nephew, and friend of many. His life ended too soon on April 8, 2026, in a fatal car accident. We are heartbroken, remembering him with deep love and fondness; and are comforted knowing he’s been welcomed home to heaven by the arms of his Grandma Ellen Anderson, Aunt Annie Maltrud, and Grandpa Dave Fast; and the eternally loving arms of Christ.
As a younger child he was always dreaming and playing with his friends, sisters, and cousins; designing a balloon powered vehicle to end global warming, planning restaurants they would open, performing plays, selling knick-knacks on our driveway at the Fast Fast Shop, and playing in the band The Mashed Potatoes with his Illinois friends. With his friends in Michigan he spent time skateboarding, playing football, and having all kinds of fun.
David graduated from Forest Hills Northern High School in 2011, where his classmates voted him ‘most unique’. Who else would start a trend of yo-yoing in the hallways at high school? He graduated from Montana State University in Bozeman, in 2015, where he deepened his love of the outdoors while studying environmental science and ecology. His time in Bozeman was filled with many happy memories snowboarding with friends at Bridger Bowl, biking and exploring Montana and Glacier National Park, and hiking the “M.”
His fun, kind, thoughtful, loving way with friends and family continued in the kitchen where he loved to cook, remembering everyone’s favorite food and snacks. He loved trying new restaurants and bringing others along to share the experience. He offered his gifts of cooking and hospitality to a handful of unique, local restaurants and breweries.
David was a lifelong learner: researching and pursuing the many areas that interested him and sharing his passions with those around him. We’ll miss playing Star Wars Epic Duels, cards, and chess with him. He loved to bring our sweet dog Lucy to the neighborhood park, inviting his sister or anyone willing to have fun, play disc golf, and enjoy some time outside. As well as enjoying video games; with his friends and his league.
One of his long-term friends, upon hearing of his passing, texted, “I am so sorry to hear this. David was the most amazing friend and always had such an enormous heart. I love that guy and he has and always will be one of my best friends.”
David is survived by parents David and Kari Fast of Grand Rapids, MI; sister Liz (Mackenzie Young) Fast of Grand Rapids, MI, sister Kathleen Fast of Holland, MI, nephew Matthew Young of Grand Rapids, MI, grandparents Dan Anderson of Cambridge, MN and Marlys Fast of Cambridge, MN, as well as many uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.
A memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church at 10:00am on Friday, May 15, 2026, with visitation starting at 9:00am. Pastor Jon Niketh will be officiating. The service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend. All are welcome to a luncheon following the service. We invite you to wear something comfortable and spend some time enjoying the nature trail on the West side of the church before or after the service. We will also gather with our families in Minnesota to scatter some of his ashes at his Grandma’s, Aunt’s, and Grandpa’s graves. Tentatively set for the beginning of June.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift made out to his beloved neighborhood park, (Forest Hills Park Association, 847 Greenbrier Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546) or to Trinity Lutheran Church, (2700 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI 49506).
https://www.myfhpa.org/Save-the-pool/donations
Watch the Livestream of the service HERE, then choose virtual worship.
19 Responses
Way too soon!
Thinking of the family with love and sympathy. David’s kindness and unique spirit touched everyone who knew him. May his journey be peaceful, and his memory forever a blessing.
Love Chris & Parry
There are no words.
Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
May the peace that passes all understanding fill you.
Keith and Tammy Gage
I am so sorry for the loss of your precious son. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort and peace in the loving memories you hold in your heart. Blessings and love, Judi Gage
So sorry to hear this. Thinking of you and all who love him. May peace be with all of you and that many happy memories sustain you in the coming days .
Hi, it’s Renee Flink . I just want to tell you that I’m shocked and I can’t imagine the pain you’re going through. I love you all, and send my love. Wish I could be there. My thoughts are definitely with you since I found out. And prayers for your comfort. Your family has gone through enough. Love, Renee
I am so sorry for your devastating loss. Prayers of Gods comfort and peace.
I’m so very sorry for the devastating loss of your precious son. Please know you and your family are in my prayers.
Hi Kari and David and the rest of the family too 🙂 We actually just heard about David’s accident and are truly so sorry for your incredible loss. I feel lucky to know you both but also to have gotten the chance to meet him. Sending so much love your way. – Joe
Dear Kari and David, We were so very sad to hear of your loss. We can’t even begin to have words of comfort at such an unexpected and untimely death, but please know we are thinking and praying for you all, Marlys , Dan, Liz, Kathleen and Mackenzie too, who knew and loved him well. He was a fortunate guy to have such a wonderful family. Blessings Kim and Doug
We are so sorry to hear of David’s passing! A life of great promise cut too short!
We are so sorry to hear of David’s passing! A life of great promise cut too short! Our thoughts and prayers to the Fast family.
We are so sorry to hear about David’s passing. His life was taken far too soon, and our hearts goes out to his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Thinking of you all.
Emily and Mitch Green
Kari and David, I am deeply sorry for your loss.
I am grieved to learn of your dear son’s passing. May memories and the love all around you comfort you all. May God’s loving arms surround you.
David and Kari,
We are deeply sorry to hear about your son.
Please know you are in our prayers.
Brent, Marya and family
very very sad to hear about this. i hope you guys are holding up okay, sending all my love.
There really are no words that can make sense of a loss like this – I can only imagine how deeply loved David was from the way he was described. Your love for him comes through so clearly in every word. I hope you feel surrounded by love and support as you grieve him and remember who he was. Thinking of you and your entire family, and holding all of you in my thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.
Dear Fast Family,
We are so sorry to hear this sad news. David was such a nice young man in the neighborhood growing up.
With sympathy,
Jim and Pam Reed
Alec and Parker Sessa
I’d like to send my condolences to the Fast family. I’m deeply sorry that David was taken so soon. Losing a son and brother in an accident is tragic. He had so much more of life to experience.
Sending prayers,
Pete