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Martin Fortson Obituary
SOUTH BEND - Martin F. "Bo" Fortson, 67, passed away at 9:40 pm Wednesday, September 26, 2012, in St. Joseph Regional Med Center. Marty was born on April 14, 1945, in Dowagiac, MI, to Joseph and Joyce (Joanis) Fortson. He graduated from Central High School and was employed by Bendix, Allied / Signal. Marty was a member of the Rivieras and recorded California Sun in 1963 at the age of 18. He then was a member of Wildcat. Marty served his country in the United States Marine Corps, and belonged to American Legion 303, Sts. Peter & Paul Serbian Orthodox Church and its Aleksa Shantich Choir. On July 29, 1967, in South Bend, he married the former Elaine C. "Squirrel" Botich, who died on October 31, 2011. Surviving are two daughters, Stacey (Mike) Wilson of South Bend and Charlene (Buck) Esmont of Mishawaka; 3 grandchildren, Kayla (Jon) Weaver, Kristen Esmont and Jessica Esmont; and a sister, Donna Bloss of McAllen, TX; 2 sisters-in-law, Diane (William) Bernhardt of South Bend and Susan Botich of Mishawaka; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 pm Monday, October 1, 2012, in Sts. Peter & Paul Serbian Orthodox Church. Burial with military services will follow at Southlawn Cemetery. Family and friends may call 2 hours prior to services in Sts. Peter & Paul Serbian Orthodox Church, 59250 Keria Trail, South Bend. Zahoran Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Zahoran Funeral Home to help defray funeral expenses. To leave an online condolence, visit our website www.zahoran.com, or our Facebook page, Zahoran Funeral Home.
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Memories and Condolences
for Martin Fortson
rachel bell
October 7, 2012
I am Rachel Reist Bell. My Mother was Yvonne Joanis Reist. My grandfather was Charles Joanis.I had heard Marty's name mentioned several times over the course of my lifetime. And how nice he was. I always thought my one claim to fame was being related to the person who sang California Sun. LOL Many times I wanted to meet him. I also know that his parents were my Godparents. I am very sorry for your loss.
Ronnie Salyer
October 7, 2012
To The Family of Marty Fortson - As I write this I have "California Sun" wailin' in the background. It is with sadness that I write this being a huge Rivieras fan. I may be the only person in the USA who has three copies of "Campus Party" and their first 45 "Played On". With the passing of Joe, and now Marty, that unique sound on "California Sun" has taken quite a hit. Being somewhat of a musicologist of the 50's and 60's this group had quite an affect on me right from the start. I do think once Joe & Marty left they were never the same. Although Otto on that organ brought a great deal to the Rivieras sound. I am now 66 and a great number of my idols from the rock & roll days are passing. I pray in the coming days that the Lord will grant to the Fortson family that peace that passes ALL understanding. I was always saddened that Joe and Marty had to leave the group for the Marines. I believe the group would have had a greater impact on the music world if things would have been a little different. Take care, Ronnie Salyer
CHARLIE # 1 DAUGHTER
October 3, 2012
MISSING YOU TODAY AND ALWAYS DADDY. TELL MOMMY I LOVE HER AND MISS HER TO. I WILL ALWAQYS MISS AND LOVE YOU BOTH. UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN......REST IN PEACE MOMMY AND DADDY TOGETHER AS ONE AGAIN.... LOVE YOU BOTH....
October 2, 2012
Rest in Peace...where the sun always shines.
Cheryl Szucsits
October 2, 2012
Such joy you brought to so many! You will be missed so much by us all, but your legacy lives on in your music and your lovely family. Thank you & your family for sharing your love with my family. Wishing you all comfort and peace in your hearts. Love you all! ? "Gitchie-Gitchie" ;)
Melisa Terrell
October 1, 2012
I love u grandpa! Rest In peas with grandma give grandma a kiss for me just remember I love you a lot and we'll see each other Again. We will all miss you very much and love you forever
Charlie Esmont
October 1, 2012
REST IN PEACE TOGETHER MOMMY AND DADDY... LOVE YOU LOTS AND I KNOW YOU ARE WATCHING OVER ME AND CAN STILL GROUND ME IF I NEED IT. MISS YOU BOTH SO MUCH.....
Charlie Esmont
October 1, 2012
Where do I start....I just wanted to let you know that I'm Ok and that my Daddy is at his final rest place with my Mommy. RIP It was allot harder than I thought with just loosing my mom 11 months ago today. The ones that mean more to me than anyone can imagine. They are my role models and I looked up to them for everything and they always had answers that made sense as all Dads and Moms do...... The funeral today was just awesome. Allot of people and the military part of the funeral was amazing and unforgettable. DADDY you will be truly missed and thank you for being an AMAZING DADDY and just remember that there is NO OTHER DADDY IN THE WORLD THAT WILL EVER COMPARE TO YOU. love you so much and thank you for alweays being there....
Grant 'chip' Burkett
October 1, 2012
I was so sorry to hear of Marty's passing.He sure was a great guy and I'm sure he will be missed by many.
Matthew Webster
October 1, 2012
I will always remember fondly the times I shared the stage with Marty. South Bend has lost its local Rock-n-Roll legand but the band in heaven has gotten stronger. Thanks For the memories Marty....we will never forget you.
Deanie Kopec
October 1, 2012
Stacey & Charlene (and Family)- I am so sorry for your loss. I guess he just couldn't be away from your mom any longer. Find comfort in knowing that they are together and happy! He will always be with you. He will be with all of us every time we hear "California Sun". Deanie & Art Kopec
Suzanne Harris
September 30, 2012
Stacey and Charlene...I am so sorry for the loss of your daddy. I know he loved you both a whole lot. I will always remember him singing in the band and us dancing right in front of him. We had the "California Sun" moves down! Watch out Dancing with the Stars!!! He loved singing. I think Patrick and Daniel got some of that gift from him... Sorry I am not there, but you all will be in my prayers tomorrow. So just know that. Let God carry you through this very difficult time. He will be right beside you, if you ask Him to. Love You Both Bunches!!! Uncle Marty's fav niece, besides Michelle, BUT now they are together!! Renee/Suzee
Karen kiska
September 30, 2012
Marty, Please rest in Peace. You are now with Elaine and Happy again. Praying your family finds the peace they need. You have tons of people who are going to be lost without you..
Sandy Sienicki
September 30, 2012
Godspeed Marty...God is getting the band back together and needed another lead singer...Davey will be there to rock the house with you and your #1 fans Squirrel and Millie will be there to cheer you on...may your "California Sun" shine forever brite..Peace.
Kayla Weaver
September 30, 2012
I am here struggling to find the right words to say, but then I realize I dont have to say anything. Your right here with me in my heart. Although I can no longer call you I can hear you. I can no longer see you but your here. I love you so much and I hope you came to see me in Hawaii. You would have loved a vacation here. I love you. See you soon.
JUDY TOMASZEWSKI
September 30, 2012
HE WAS ALWAYS NICE TO ME AT WORK, WHEN HE WORK FOR GEORGE. HE WILL BE MISS, SORRY FOR YOUR LOST, GOD BLESS,AND REST IN PEACE. FOR HIS FAMILY.
September 30, 2012
Sorry to hear the news. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. We all loved Marty, but can only imagine how happy he is to be with Squirrel again.
Janet Jolliff
Ralph Kloski
September 30, 2012
You will be greatly missed my friend... May you rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Kristen Esmont
September 30, 2012
Papa,
You were a great man. I miss you so much already. I love you lots!
September 30, 2012
Joseph Bubelenyi, rip
Jessica Esmont
September 30, 2012
Well papa, i never thought i would loose you this fast butt its what you wanted. You missed bubbie to much, but now you get a chance to be back with her. I will see you soon and we will never have each other forever and not have to say goodbye again! You were and amazing grandpa, father and loving husband. You have many fans and many people that loved you they want to see you happy and i know that now you are. And i know that whereever i go you will be looking down at me and watching everything i do, and say thats my Jessie! i Want to make you proud of me and i know i will! This is the hardest thing for me butt i will never forget any memories that we shared together or the laughs we shared! I love you and will miss u more then anything! I will talk to you soon and i will never forget the best man in my life! <3
Kathy Laurie and Mark Wagner
September 30, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Marty was a good friend. Will remember all the good times we had with Marty and Squirrel. LUV YOU
John & Paulette Gearhart
September 30, 2012
So Sorry! You kids are in our prayers and thoughts.Your parents will always be watching over all of you. God Bless You.
September 30, 2012
Our sincere sympathy to your family. You are in our prayers. Marty was a good friend and will be missed.
Daryl and Stoney Dankert
Bikk& Kim Rutt
September 30, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.You are all in our hearts forever...
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