Tony was born on November 6, 1942, in Minot, North Dakota to Tony and Bertha (Klein) Feist. Raised on a farm and the oldest of six children, Tony developed his strong work principles and dedication very early.
Tony entered the Army in 1960 based at Fort Ord. After serving in Korea, he left the military and began a successful career in the aerospace industry at Voi Shan Manufacturing Co. in Culver City and Redondo Beach, California. He worked his way up the corporate ladder to Mfg. manager. There he met and fell for Sue Fredricks Thagard. They were married in 1976 thus creating an instant family as Tony became the "father" to Sue's son Deron, whom he cared for as his own. In February, 1978 his daughter Darla Marie was born.
Family was important to Tony, so after 15 years in the corporate world, with no more rungs to climb, Tony sought out on his own in 1979. The family moved to Redding, California, and started, bought, built, worked and sold small businesses. After a brief partnership in a tire business, he bought and ran a sandwich shop, all the while bucking a pursuit by Friden-Alcatel in Reno, Nevada. They finally made him an offer he couldn't refuse so he commuted for two years as a consultant, performed a complete production makeover of the company, relocated them to the Bay area, then went back "home" to Redding. In 1983 he purchased a run down shop. After a lot more work than expected, he opened a small restaurant they called "Feisty's." Definitely a family run business (Darla was cashiering and serving at the age of 6), "Feisty's" did extremely well and Tony opened another door a mile down the road called "Senor Feisty's", which Deron co-managed. In 1987 Tony left the restaurant business and bought the Airport Bus Service based out of the Redding airport. Even though he worked hard to be the best at what he did, he always left time for family. He loved to go boating, camping and skiing on evenings and weekends, and he was the ultimate "cheerleader," never missing one of his kids' athletic events.
Ready for a new challenge, Tony brought his family to Fort Collins, Colorado in 1990. He attended Real Estate school and joined "Coldwell Banker Everitt & Williams" in 1991. Learning the ropes quickly, Tony used honesty, dedication, loyalty, and a sense of humor to become a popular and enthusiastic realtor in the community. Earning "Rookie of the Year" honors started a 16-year career where he developed good friendships with many of his clients and co-workers.
In 2004 Tony built a house (almost literally with his own two hands) in Johnstown, Colorado. He semi-retired so he could accomadate his newest hobby - chauffeuring his mother-in-law around in the motorhome. Hoping to travel the country and spend time with the grandkids, he fell ill and retired for good in 2007. Tony was a proud father, "an invincible rock" in his daughter's eyes, a loyal husband, and the best son-in-law a mother could hope for. His family and friends will remember him for his generosity, kindness, funny jokes , and strong work ethic.
Anthony (Tony) Loran Feist left us peacefully on January 16, 2008 at his home, surrounded by family, and his beloved pets, Trouble, Triscuit and Teaser .
Tony is survived by his wife, Susan Marie Feist of Johnstown CO; daughter Darla Marie Young and husband Daniel of Johnstown CO; stepson Deron John Feist and wife Amy of Fort Collins CO; mother Bertha Feist of Minot ND; brothers, Richard Feist of Rapid City SD, Mark Feist and wife Judie of Fargo ND; Brian Feist of Atlanta GA, Don Feist and wife Karla of Minot ND; grandchildren, Jonah and Makena Feist; Jack, Ethan and Samantha Young; and mother-in-law Pearl Fredricks.
Preceding Tony in death were his father Tony P. Feist, and his sister Lorraine Irene Bossert.