Terry Fortney

Devoted, dedicated, a mentor, and friend, Terry Fortney was a man of his word. He lived by example; he taught his children well, and others entrusted to his care. Terry knew how to stand his ground, and could be a little stubborn at times, too. Terry gave his all, and then some. Although he will be deeply missed; the memories Terry leaves behind will forever be a lasting tribute to the good hearted man that he was.

Terry's story began in 1945 as the end of World War II brought much hope to our nation. The baby boom was well on its way, and while industry expanded manufacturers produced consumer goods in high demand. Amidst these times of celebration in the bustling city of Los Angeles, California, Harry and Edna (McKay) Fortney found much to be thankful for when they welcomed the birth of their first child, Terence Andrew Fortney on June 26.

Terry soon welcomed his younger sister, Susan. As a child he was bustling with energy, and his stubborn nature and strong will developed in his earliest years. Terry enjoyed many adventures as a young boy, and found his share of mischief with childhood friends, too. Indicative of his adventurous nature, one of his favorite memories to share was fearlessly climbing all the way to the top of a huge pine tree, much to the chagrin of his mother.

Terry was around nine years old when his father sadly died, and his family made the long trip from California to Michigan to be closer to his mother's family in Grand Rapids. He attended the local schools, and was involved with the Boy Scouts in California. Terry loved all types of sports, but in high school he particularly excelled in the shot putt in track and field. In fact, Terry held the Creston High School record for many years. He also served as a tackle playing football at Creston. Terry's high school football coach was a mentor and positive example for Terry. A huge influence on him, he was instrumental when Terry went on to serve as a coach himself.

In high school, Terry also played a very social role among his peers. Outgoing, fun-loving, and an all-around bad ass, it was during that time he developed his lifelong ability to talk about anything, with anyone. He also used his clever charm to talk his way out of many things! After graduating from Creston High School, Terry went to Grand Rapids Junior College for several years. With talk of impending conflict, the Vietnam War soon became reality. Along with three of his good buddies Terry joined the U.S. Marines. He and his friends enlisted together, trained together, and served in Vietnam together. Thankfully, they returned home together.

When he returned home, he enrolled at Western Michigan University where he received his teaching degree, and later acquired his masters degree. Terry always took the encouraging words of his past coach to heart. He wanted to make a difference in the lives of young people, and went on to teach at one of the first local Alternative Education Programs in the area. He equipped his students well, making sure they had what was needed to be successful. He mentored them in many ways, and even took them fishing and camping. Like the coach who guided him, Terry felt strongly about being a guiding influence and role model in the lives of kids in need of direction.

It wasn't long after Terry began teaching that he met a beautiful young woman who captured his heart. He met Linda Nyholt at a car lot owned by a friend, and upon seeing her, he knew there was something special about her. They began dating, fell deeply in love and were happily married at Terry's house in April of 1974.

Terry and Linda, along with their four children, Jessica, Tina Harry, Zachary, moved to a farm in Saranac, Michigan. It was a wonderful place to raise their family, and where Terry enjoyed remodeling. They raised chickens on their farm, and had horses and cows, too. As a father Terry was strict, but could also be quite easygoing. He held high expectations for his children, but because he wanted only the best for them. With his big booming voice and loud whistle, Terry knew how to grab their attention!

In time, Terry and his family returned to the Grand Rapids area and built a home in Wyoming where Terry would remain for the rest of his days. The Fortney's home was definitely the place to be. Terry was the type of dad who the kid's friends all liked, and he made everyone feel welcome. He came to coach his sons throughout their football careers spanning from elementary to high school. The floats for school were built at their home, and all the kids usually gathered there after the games where Terry loved making food for everyone. He had a way all his own when it came to relating to kids, and he became just like one of the guys, no matter the age.

Terry loved woodworking and even taught wood shop. His children helped him make cutting boards, all in assembly line fashion. He also made numerous stepstools for relatives. Terry and Linda were quite social as a couple and spent a lot of time with friends and family. It was a tradition to spend time with extended family at Silver and Slayton Lakes where he and his family enjoyed many good times on their bass boat in the lakes swimming, waterskiing, tubing, and fishing. Terry was passionate about fishing, and did so at every opportunity.

Around the house, Terry was a jack of all trades. He was very handy, and had the know-how to build and repair almost anything. He was very meticulous about his projects, but it was always hard to ask him for help because one never knew when he would get it done. Terry believed in the value of an organized mess, and he had plenty to show for it! He knew where everything was, and no one had better move anything! A man who knew how to keep busy, Terry had a second job working at Home Depot for many years. While there he even developed a following of customers who sought him out for advice. At home, Terry loved watching old war movies and the military channel. He especially loved times spent playing with his grandkids, and never shied away from being stern with them, either.

The death of his daughter, Jessica, in 2006 was terribly hard on Terry. He supported Linda with her health struggles from ALS, and spent several years determined to find the cause while hoping for a cure. Relentless, he pursued the best opinions for her. In 2009, she sadly died after a hard fought battle. Following Linda's death, Terry truly struggled. He spent a lot of time with his canine companion, Max, treating him many days to a walk and a nightly cheeseburger. He continued to help with ALS golf outings, and was often the one behind the camera and planning ALS get-togethers.

It wasn't long before Terry began experiencing his own health issues: he was diagnosed with cancer in 2013. Although he didn't complain, life for Terry became challenging. He maintained his positive outlook and remained strong before passing away unexpectedly at home.

Terry Fortney was a straight shooting kind of man. People knew where they stood with him, and he appreciated the same from others. He was a friend and mentor to many who will remember his kindness, and a dedicated, hard working family man who found his greatest joy in the love of family.

Terry Fortney, age 69 of Wyoming, passed away Saturday, January 24, 2015. He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda, in 2009; his daughter, Jessica, in 2006, and by his parents Edna Mulvey and Harry Fortney. Terry is survived by his children: Harry Fortney, Zachary Fortney (fiancée Sarah Mankoff), Tina (Tommy) Piccione; his grandchildren: Gaetano, Maria and Nadia Piccione, Harry Fortney Jr.; sister, Sue Fortney; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Frank and Julia Nyholt; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Charles Nyholt, Judith McClure, Marilyn (Jim) Chambers, Ruth (Tim) Robinson, Karen (Bob) Jones; several nieces and nephews.

A service to remember and celebrate Terry's life will be held Wednesday, January 28, 2015, 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home-Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE. Friends are invited to visit with his family on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. To read more about Terry's life, share a favorite memory and to sign his online guest book, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.