Brookman crew, who became like ….
Brookman crew, who became like family, until his death.
He humbly, and often anonymously, supported many rodeo cowboys and the community he immersed himself in throughout the years. In the mid-1980s, he introduced an incentive program at the Wild Horse Stampede handing out $100 bills to rough stock contestants who had a penalty free ride. If the cowboy did not qualify, the money was given to a local charity of Fast’s choosing. During the next several years, other rodeos emulated this concept throughout the state and nation. He was a mentor of encouragement to young cowboys down on their luck and also a supporter and sponsor of the Go-Getters Youth Rodeo for more than 20 years. Organizers noted he would help pay for championship saddles in each age group, requesting that he not be given recognition.
The strong faith in God that was instilled in him as a child, carried him through many chapters in his life, but none more so than at age 49, when he was diagnosed with a rare form of macular degeneration. This devastating condition results in eventual loss of vision. His prayers were answered when he met a friend and partner, Mona Soliday, a registered nurse. They were joined in marriage on Dec. 4, 2010. Even with his fading eyesight, he still managed to rope, ride and drive his team where sense and instinct became his ally. He often encouraged his family to share in his lifestyle and looked forward to this time spent with others where souls were always nurtured. He was quick to hook up the team and saddle the horses for all to enjoy. He had dreams of creating a summer riding camp for children so they too could develop a relationship with horses. He died unexpectedly on Jan. 13, 2019, of a heart attack at the age of 70, tending to his beloved horses and wearing those trusty old boots.
