Gary Lynn Fast's Obituary
Gary Lynn Fast, age 72, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 20th surrounded by loving friends and family. He is survived by his husband of 49 years Michael Hill. He was predeceased by his mother and father, Delilah and Lynn Fast. He also leaves to grieve his loss, his sister – Darlene “Sister” Crofford of Sapulpa, OK, and her children and grandchildren they include nieces Laura Davis (Jeff), Westville, OK and Linda Pinkerton (James), Sapulpa, OK; nephew Dan Crofford (Stacey) Owasso, OK; his great nieces Amy Lynn (Lane) Shipley, Okinawa, Japan, Rachel Davis, Ponca City, and Sheridan (Zak) Potts, Marlow, OK; great nephew, Justin Crofford, Owasso, OK; great-great nephews William and Teddy; and, great-great niece Emmeline.
Gary left Tulsa, OK at the age of 19 and moved to Fayetteville to find a job doing hair. Soon thereafter, with his driving passion and determination, he wanted to open his own salon. A friend’s father loaned him $200 and Gary’s Hairbenders was born.
Over the years, Gary never stopped learning and applying his craft. He even mentored under the illustrious Vidal Sassoon. It has been told that Gary was the first hairdresser to introduce the layered shag for men and women in Fayetteville. Gary taught many aspiring hairdressers who have moved on to great careers.
He also taught beauty techniques to people with cancer to help them manage the appearance-related treatment side effects and similarly encouraged ponytail donations to create hair prosthetics for financially-disadvantaged children. It is no wonder that Gary’s Hairbenders is considered a Fayetteville institution by countless. Condolences quickly described his work as famous, legendary and iconic and the man as sweet, gentle, generous and kind.
Gary adored his family and spent as much time as possible with them. In addition to his family, Gary had a large chosen family. So many lives have been touched by Gary through the years. He loved welcoming new people to town, making people smile and worked hard at making sure everyone felt comfortable in his presence. Gary especially loved the holidays and his salon and home were decorated for every one of them with Christmas being the most adorned. His home decorations were featured in media and his Christmas lights even won him a local award that he was most proud to receive.
Gary would not want us to mourn his loss but celebrate his life, in fact, he would welcome a toast. A memorial service will be held later this year. Should you wish to honor Gary in some way, please consider making a donation in his name to The Fayetteville Animal Shelter, NWA Center for Equality or a charity of your choice.
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