Robert E. Fort Jr.

Dear Patty,
It seems like only yesterday that we were students on the Stetson campus, welcoming your arrival, enjoying the classes and music groups with Bob, or "Mr. Fort," as he was then. I can still see your family driving around Deland in the little blue Volkswagen bug with Carolyn and Robert in the back seat....see him riding up to the old music annex on his bike, his seersucker slacks and straw hat and new beard. He was "cool."
We were all so young ..... and he was...

Mrs. Fort,

I was so saddened today to find out that Dr. Fort passed away. My heart is heavy, yet hopeful at the same time because I know that I will meet him again one day when we see our Savior face to face!
I want you to know that he was one of my favorite professors while at Stetson ('91-'94). I will cherish the many hours spent in his office, covering various subjects such as life, faith, manhood, and of course, music! I learned so much about all of them from your...

Mrs. Fort,
I am thankful to have known Dr. Fort. He was a special, honest, inspiring, fun-loving, thought-provoking and witty man whose instruction in music was matched by his instruction on how to approach each other and life with joy. We were blessed to know him and to see the world from his perspective. There is much joy in knowing that we will all meet again one day!

I am deeply saddened to learn of Bob's death. It was my pleasure to have met him through Paul Dickey and to have sung for him when he did the music at the Episcopal church in DeLand. Patty, you and your children are in my prayers.

Dr. Fort was my favorite professor at Stetson (where I attended from 1981 to 1984 as a church music major in voice and piano). He was a profoundly influential person in my young musical life as well as a wonderful counselor and mentor to me, as he was to so many others. I recall fondly singing as a section leader in his choir at First Presbyterian Church, in his Chapel Choir at Stetson, and getting great advice from him about all kinds of things when I needed it. He was so loved by so many...

Dear Patty -
Bob remains a force in my life - powerful mentor and colleague - sensitive and compassionate human being. I am certain his presence continues in the thousands of hearts he has touched.
Thom

Dear Patty,

I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Bob. He was such a wonderful, inspiring and insightful professor. Much of what he taught me chorally, I use with my own choirs at church. His classes were always well organized, thought provoking and spiced with a delightful sense of humor. I am so thankful I spent an afternoon with you both several years ago at your home. You should be comforted in knowing that his work lives on in each of us, his students. May God bless...

Dear Patty and Family,
I can't tell you how sad I am and the overwhelming flood of memories that I am experiencing.
Dr. Fort was a great influence on my life in so many ways. He will be greatly missed by so many.
My Cantabile Singers are dedicating their performances of Haydn's "Missa in Angustiis" on February 20 and 22 in Dr. Fort's memory.
My thoughts are with all of you.

Dear Patty, Robert, and Carolyn,

Jason and I send our deep love and continuing prayers to you. We love you so much, Patty, and loved Bob more than we could ever express adequately to you. In our lives, he was a creative teacher of music (complex chords weren't just Neopolitan - when played by Dr. Fort at the piano, they were "oooh!" chords!), an example of a gentlemanly scholar, a mentor, an amateur meteorologist (he would often ask, "What does the sky look like today?" in order to...