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Richard Fortman Obituary
SPRINGFIELD - Richard L. Fortman, 93, of Springfield died peacefully at Lewis Memorial Christian Village on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008.
He was born in Springfield on Feb. 8, 1915, to Richard C. and Grace Modlin Fortman. He was a lifelong resident of Springfield.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Bonnie Kane of Springfield.
He graduated from Springfield High School in 1933, and was a retired warehouse foreman for Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Company. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving his country in World War II in North Africa and Italy.
Richard married Faye Nichols on Oct. 14, 1950. They celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary last month.
He was an avid checkers enthusiast throughout his life. He was a six-time Illinois State Champion, as well as a former World Postal (Correspondence) Checkers Champion.
He will be best remembered as the author of the seven-part publication "Basic Checkers." He was also well known internationally as a leading analyst and annotator of tournament games. The Gould/Fortman Trophy, a traveling award in the checkers community, is named in his honor. In his later years he made worldwide acquaintances via the Internet, playing in and winning multiple online tournaments.
Richard is survived by his wife, Faye; his sister, June Russell of Springfield; a daughter, Cindy Ponder (Daryl) of Springfield; a son, Mark Fortman (Lisa) Westmont; four grandchildren, Evan Ponder, Emily Ponder, Noel Fortman and Neil Fortman.
Military memorial ceremonies and burial will be held at a later date at Mechanicsburg Cemetery.
Ellinger-Kunz and Park Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Fortman
Sponsored by June Russell.
Charles McCaffrey
February 27, 2009
Dear Mark,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Nothing I can say can ease your grief, but be consoled in your faith. And I know that your dad was a great man because I have seen the proof in his son.
Charles McCaffrey
Richard Fortman
December 6, 2008
Megan Kane
December 4, 2008
Uncle Dick..Your memory will always be in my heart...especially one christmas at grandma's (Bonnie) when you let me win a game of checkers..I thought I was good!! Give grandma a kiss for me! God Bless
Dee Easley
November 23, 2008
Uncle Richard will truly be missed, he was a wonderful man and has a wonderful family. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Deloris Walker
November 21, 2008
We ae saddened by the passing of our good friend and we wish to express our condolences to family and friends. Richard was a great joy to know and was very important in the publishing of the CHECKERS Magazine by the ICHF. His story telling and accounts of tournaments are unsurpassed. A more indepth tribute will be found in the next publication of CHECKERS. God Bless you all. The Walker Family
Cynthia Kaymark
November 15, 2008
Our sincere condolences go to the Fortman family. Faye, even though I only got to see the two of you a few times, I was always impressed by the love you shared. May the memories of your 58 years together bring you comfort until you are together again.
David and Cindy Kaymark
Dave Ferguson
November 11, 2008
Faye, Cindy and Daryl,
I hope we all live such a long and full life.
With deepest sympathy,
Dave, Traci and Hailey Ferguson
Henderson T. Marshall
November 11, 2008
Condolences to the Fortman Family in the loss of your loved-one. I was privileged to have first met Dick in the 80’s and have played numerous games with him through mail play as well as the internet. I received many tips from him on the Game and will forever be grateful for having met such a friendly and polite gentleman. The Checkers World has lost a great advocate. God Bless and may he rest in peace.
Shane McCosker
November 11, 2008
My condolences to the Fortman Family he will be sorely missed.
James Ackman
November 11, 2008
The Ackman family sends their deepest sympathy, prayers, and condolences to Mrs. Fortman and the entire Fortman family. This was a truly good, honest, and kind man. He was unfailing kind to us throughout his long, full, and meaningful life. The world is just a little less for his passing. Vaya con dios, Sr. Fortman. You are missed.
Jim, Jan, and Katie Ackman
Tom Novy
November 10, 2008
On behalf of the residents, staff and families of Lewis Memorial Christian Village we offer our sympathy in the loss of your loved one. Our prayer is that God will continue to bless and keep you in your grief.
JR Smith - NCCA Sec.
November 10, 2008
The Checker Community is saddened about Mr. Fortman's death. He was one of the giants of our mind sport and gave so much over his 93 years. He will be dearly missed. We offer our sympathy and prayers to the Fortman family. “Fortman’s 1st 20 moves on all openings... the basic checker foundation book” which Marion Tinsley said, "Checker players might forget some of the many championship titles "Dick" Fortman won, but they'll never forget Fortman's "BC," a great contribution to checkers!"
Wilma Wolverton
November 10, 2008
I was saddened by the news of Richard's passing. Although I had never met him in person, only on the internet, I thought of him as a dear friend.
Wayne and Betty Maxheimer
November 10, 2008
Faye and Family
We are sorry to hear of the passing
of Dick. Faye, we had many good times together, playing cards.
Thinking of you, your help and strength comes from the Lord.
We will be talking to you later.
Your Friends
Wayne and Betty
Ted Russell
November 10, 2008
Please except our condolences concerning Richards passing. He will be missed by family and friends, but heaven has just received the best checkers player on the planet. Only the love for his family surpassed his love for the game.
Penny Russell
November 10, 2008
We will miss you, Uncle Richard
Jay Hinnershitz
November 10, 2008
My condolences to Faye and the rest of Richard's family.
RIP Richard.
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