WILLIAM ALEXANDER (BILL) FORTNEY

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WILLIAM ALEXANDER (BILL) FORTNEY April 9, 1944 - February 4, 2014 It is with great sadness, we announce the sudden passing of William "Bill" Fortney the second eldest son of Paul and Eileen formerly of Teulon, Manitoba. Bill was predeceased by his mother and father as well as his sister Evangeline and sister-in-law Terry (Paul). Bill will be lovingly remembered by his brothers Paul, Gene and Jim and his sister Joan, brother-in-law Steve (Joan), sister-in-law Raelene (Gene) and numerous nephews and nieces. Bill was born in Winnipeg and lived his earlier years on the family farm in Erinview. He enjoyed times with the family, the country life on the farm especially the sights and sounds of our natural world; bird songs and the warm winds of summer on his face. Bill was born with severe mental challenges and he was legally blind. Our mother Eileen was a pioneer in the rights of the mentally challenged and in later years after brother Jim was born she would challenge the provincial educational system concerning the lack of facilities for the mentally disadvantaged. These efforts resulted in a change in the provincial legislature that mandated all school divisions in the province to provide educational opportunities for children living with a disability. The establishment of Edward E. Best School as a learning center, the hiring of Mrs. Jessamine Gray and later the Arris Center resulted directly from her efforts. Unfortunately these opportunities arrived much later and were not available for Bill who in 1958 moved to the Manitoba Development Centre (MDC) in Portage La Prairie where life was much safer than on the farm and programs for exercise and care were already established. Bill was known at the MDC as a very gentle soul who preferred his time spent away from crowds and activities involving larger groups. He was involved in many different programs designed for fun, learning and exercise. Trips in and around Portage La Prairie as well as to provincial parks, fairs and other regional celebrations were common outings. In the summer Bill would spend his holidays relaxing at the cottage on Lake Manitoba and occasionally family would visit and take Bill out to dinner or on a road trip. Bill's disabilities prevented him from enjoying one of the greatest gifts that we often take for granted and that is the gift of choice. Finally Bill's spirit has shed this harness rising up into the arms of our mom and dad and our Lord. "This is Not a Good Bye, as You Will Live On in Our Hearts Always". Cremation has taken place, a memorial mass conducted by Father Stan Gacek will be held at Christ the King Roman Catholic Church, Stonewall, Manitoba at 1:30 p.m.on February 14, 2014. Interment of the Urn will take place following the service in the family plot at the Stonewall Cemetery. Ronald Moffit Memorial Services of Portage La Prairie in care of arrangements.
Publish Date: Feb 14, 2014

WILLIAM ALEXANDER (BILL) FORTNEY April 9, 1944 - February 4, 2014 It is with great sadness, we announce the sudden passing of William "Bill" Fortney the second eldest son of Paul and Eileen formerly of Teulon, Manitoba. Bill was predeceased by his mother and father as well as his sister Evangeline and sister-in-law Terry (Paul). Bill will be lovingly remembered by his brothers Paul, Gene and Jim and his sister Joan, brother-in-law Steve (Joan), sister-in-law Raelene (Gene) and numerous nephews and nieces. Bill was born in Winnipeg and lived his earlier years on the family farm in Erinview. He enjoyed times with the family, the country life on the farm especially the sights and sounds of our natural world; bird songs and the warm winds of summer on his face. Bill was born with severe mental challenges and he was legally blind. Our mother Eileen was a pioneer in the rights of the mentally challenged and in later years after brother Jim was born she would challenge the provincial educational system concerning the lack of facilities for the mentally disadvantaged. These efforts resulted in a change in the provincial legislature that mandated all school divisions in the province to provide educational opportunities for children living with a disability. The establishment of Edward E. Best School as a learning center, the hiring of Mrs. Jessamine Gray and later the Arris Center resulted directly from her efforts. Unfortunately these opportunities arrived much later and were not available for Bill who in 1958 moved to the Manitoba Development Centre (MDC) in Portage La Prairie where life was much safer than on the farm and programs for exercise and care were already established. Bill was known at the MDC as a very gentle soul who preferred his time spent away from crowds and activities involving larger groups. He was involved in many different programs designed for fun, learning and exercise. Trips in and around Portage La Prairie as well as to provincial parks, fairs and other regional celebrations were common outings. In the summer Bill would spend his holidays relaxing at the cottage on Lake Manitoba and occasionally family would visit and take Bill out to dinner or on a road trip. Bill's disabilities prevented him from enjoying one of the greatest gifts that we often take for granted and that is the gift of choice. Finally Bill's spirit has shed this harness rising up into the arms of our mom and dad and our Lord. "This is Not a Good Bye, as You Will Live On in Our Hearts Always". Cremation has taken place, a memorial mass conducted by Father Stan Gacek will be held at Christ the King Roman Catholic Church, Stonewall, Manitoba at 1:30 p.m.on February 14, 2014. Interment of the Urn will take place following the service in the family plot at the Stonewall Cemetery. Ronald Moffit Memorial Services of Portage La Prairie in care of arrangements.
Publish Date: Feb 13, 2014

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 14, 2014