Andrew G. Forton

SUTTONS BAY — Andrew George Forton, 69, of Suttons Bay, died Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2006, at home surrounded by his loving family.

Andrew was born March 14, 1937, in Traverse City, the son of Louis and Adeline (Kolarik) Forton. On April 25, 1959, in Yonkers, N.Y., he married his loving wife of 47 years, Mary Philomena Fernandes.

Andrew's family, and he in particular, have been long time pillars of the Suttons Bay community. He grew up in Suttons Bay and graduated from Suttons Bay High School.

After graduation, Andrew found his calling while serving in the Navy from 1954 to 1974. He served around the world, including service in Vietnam. His leadership and work ethic saw him rising to rank of chief petty officer. He retired honorably after 20 years of service to this nation.

His character of service continued after his naval career; Andy returned home to Suttons Bay, and for 15 years he was a route salesman for Pepsi Cola of Traverse City.

Andrew was a 12-year village council member, a life long member of the Little Finger VFW Post 7731 in Lake Leelanau, and a Master Mason and member of the Northport Masonic Lodge 265.

In his leisure time, he was a formidable sportsman; his passion was the outdoors, with activities such as hunting and fishing.

Friends and family remember Andrew as a strong willed and independent man. The tough exterior known to his children was softened as he became a grandfather. He would take every moment with his grandchildren as an opportunity to teach them. Whether hunting or spending time casting lines, Andrew would always mentor them and pass onto his grandchildren the knowledge of his life's experiences. He always brought out the best in them, and he was a resounding success in that goal.

Andrew is survived by his loving wife, Mary; his four children, John (Teresa) Forton of Suttons Bay, Theresa (John) King of New Mexico, Armanda (Matt) Krantz of Suttons Bay and Anthony (Lisa) Forton of Maple City; six siblings, Margaret (Ron) Ervin, Jane (Raymond) Cracchiolo, Robert (Pat) Forton, Louis (Merle) Forton Jr., Cecelia (Thomas) Hamer and Thomas (Karen) Forton; and eight grandchildren, Tracy Allen and Racheal Forton, Brenda and Becky King, Andrew, Adam and Zachary Krantz and Justin Forton.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Andrew G. Forton Jr.

Visitation will be held today, Oct. 21, from 5 to 9 p.m., and on Sunday, Oct. 22, from 2 to 9 p.m., with a rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m. Both visitations are at the Martinson Funeral Home. The Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 23, at St. Michael's Parish of Suttons Bay. Burial will follow in St. Michael's Cemetery. The Reverends Andrew Buvala and John Greene will serve as celebrants.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Munson Hospice House, 1105 Sixth St., Traverse City, MI 49684.

Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.

This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.