Arthur Henry Fortier passed away peacefully on February 22, 2007 at Chilliwack at age 91 years. He was born November 15, 1915 in Grand Falls, Newfoundland. Arthur is survived by his spouse Margaret McGillivary; brother, Mickey Fortier; stepdaughters, Patti (Jerry) Ramsay, Lois (Joe) Eburne and Susan (Bert) Vandenbrink; son, Jeff (Cheryl) Fortier; grandchildren, Josh Eburne, Brad Eburne, Matthew Ramsay, Jessie Ramsay and Jennifer Fortier. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews throughout Canada.
Arthur was one of ten children who were raised in Buckingham, Quebec. At the age of 15, he left home and began a career on the railway. He ended this enterprise 6 years later by joining the Canadian Armed Forces. Arthur served both in Canada and overseas as a Sergeant in the Service Corps, as a motorcycle dispatch rider and in the Regimental Police.
Following his return to Canada in 1960, Arthur was posted to CFB Chilliwack to design a Graphic Arts Course for the Army. He taught this course until his retirement in 1967. He retired at the rank of Sergeant Major. In 1968, Arthur was hired by the Chilliwack School Board for the Resource Centre, this led to a satisfying 12 year career, from which he retired in 1980 at age 65.
Arthur was an active Legion Member even before joining the army and was also a Past Masonic Master of the Chilliwack Masonic Temple. He had many hobbies and interests during his life, including professional boxing and hockey in Montreal. Arthur loved fishing, camping and gardening but his true life-long passion was his painting and carving. His art is enjoyed in many private homes and public venues throughout the Fraser Valley and Eastern Canada.
We will deeply miss Art’s love, kindness and his zest for life.
A “Celebration of Life” will be held on Sunday, March 18, 2007 at 1:00 pm from the Royal Canadian Legion, Golden Branch 280 5561 Vedder Rd. Chilliwack, BC
If any so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion, Golden Branch 280 Poppy Fund.