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Devin Fort Obituary
BY CAROLYN P. SMITH
News Democrat
-- The 8-year-old Swansea boy who was suffering from aplastic anemia and was in need of a bone marrow match, lost his life early Thursday morning.
Devin Fort, the son of Illinois State Police Special Agent Dave Fort and Kim Fort, was diagnosed 2 1/2 years ago, Rick Mason, director of the National Marrow Donor Program's St. Louis office, said.
Through the Fort family's efforts, 1,400 African-Americans signed up with the national registry.
But, of the new donors, none were matches for Fort. Mason said the donors will be able to help some others who they match up with. More African-American donors are needed to save lives of little children like Fort, other children, mothers and fathers, he said.
"We need more African-Americans to step up to the plate and join the National Marrow Donor Program to prevent us from losing more babies," he said.
"We at least need them to get tested. The process is now needle free. We swab the throat. There is no reason for more people not to come on board."
Mason said healthy people produce healthy blood cells, platelets, white and red blood cells. In individuals with aplastic anemia, the bone marrow and stem cell functions do not produce healthy blood cells.
Fort was surrounded by many members of his family when he passed earlier Thursday morning, Mason said.
The Fort family "is one of the most generous, loving families I have ever worked with," Mason said.
"Dave and Kim want to thank all who helped them and their family during Devin's illness, and especially all who participated in the bone marrow drives," a statement released by the Illinois State Police said.
Memories and Condolences
for Devin Fort
59 Entries
Byron and Randi Workman
November 2, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Rhonda and Steve Evans
October 27, 2006
Dave and Kim,
I know there are no words that can take away your pain right now. I hope that you can find peace in knowing Devin is in a far better place than we could ever dream of. I keep you in my thoughts and prayers daily.
Bill and Valerie Loughran
October 27, 2006
We were heartbroken with the passing of Sweet Devin. Your family is so easy to love and we felt like a part of your family when we met on the 9th floor at Children's. Know that our love, thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Bobby asked me to tell you that he is praying for you every day and wishes we could have been there to to hug you close.
Valerie, Bill and Bobby Loughran
Stephanie Schneider
October 26, 2006
Dave & Kim, remember these promises:
WITH GOD, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE-He will ease your pain.
THERE IS NO CIRCUMSTANCE GREATER THAN GOD-If He brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
EVERY BATTLE IN YOUR LIFE IS IN GOD'S HANDS-He will fight for your peace of mind, He will give you His strength. You will feel His love.
DEVIN'S BATTLE IS WON. HE IS WITH GOD.
Robert Silich - DCI (RET>)
October 26, 2006
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your courageous son Devin. May you be strengthened in your loss by your faith in God and by the memories of this beautiful child.
Kevin McAleenan
October 26, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Victor Morris
October 25, 2006
Dear Dave and Kim
Karen and I are so sorry about the loss of Devin. Just know that Devin and the two of you will always be in our prayers.
Cindy Meyer
October 25, 2006
Devin sure tucked alot of life into the short time he had. And he was so lucky to have such a loving and caring family. You all are in everyone thoughts and prayers.
Erica Thornton
October 24, 2006
God knows your pain and is with you at this very moment and so is DEVIN remember he was with you before and he will still be with you in spirit and in heart...he may be gone of the land but your memories last forever so keep him alive through you....GOD KEEP YOU
Alicia Wayne
October 24, 2006
I am very sorry for your lost and I have your family in my prayers and GOD will bless you all.
Your deepest sympathy,
Yoshimik Wayne & Family
Pamela Lewis
October 24, 2006
Words will never cure the pain you feel, but when ever you are feeling down think about his smile and the joy that he brought you. You and your family are in my Prayers.
Christopher Slater
October 24, 2006
To the Fort Family:
You have endured much. You have sacrificed more. Devin "Geo" Fort was a warrior who fought the good fight with the Love, compassion, kindness, and gentle touch of a strong family to guide him. In his short life, he was able to show us unconditional Love. May God Bless his soul and may God Bless the Fort Family.
Terry & Cindy Leach
October 24, 2006
Dave, Kim, Milford and Kaye,
We are heartbroken by the passing of sweet Devin. We were so blessed to have been given the opportunity to meet him and your entire family during your recent stay at Children's (we are the best friends of Bobby Loughran's parents). We will continue our mission to give this disease more exposure and the need for bone marrow donors in all races.
You are in our thoughts & prayers.
Love,
Terry & Cindy Leach
Elma DeProw
October 24, 2006
Dave,Kim and family;
May the memories carry you through a healing process and remember God is always at your side. Your in my prayers. God Bless.
Darian&Tyhessia Mckinney
October 23, 2006
To Dave&Kim We are truly sorry for your lost I know words cant express what you are going through trust in the Lord and he will see through. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Darian&Tyhessia Mckinney
Karen Brown, D#11 Retiree
October 23, 2006
Dave & family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Kevin Stallard
October 23, 2006
Dave and Kim I am very sorry for your loss, we lost a child in 1997 and and you never go a day without thinking about it, Days will pass and you will be strong to go on with your life. He is over the suffering and happy now, he would want you to be the same God Bless. Kevin Stallard family
Bill & Anne Simpson
October 23, 2006
Dave and Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy in the loss of your son. Our prayers are with your family in this difficult time.
Ken Snider
October 23, 2006
Thoughts and prayers from my family to yours.
Donald and Audrey Yann
October 23, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May the Lord be by your side and comfort you.
Patti McDaniel
October 23, 2006
Dave and Kim:
I am so sorry for the loss of Devin and the pain you are feeling. You have good memories of the love you shared and may those memories and God's never ending love get you through this time. Your friends are here when you need us.
Remember: Memories are what let us have roses in the winter.
Dennis Bauers
October 23, 2006
Dave and Kim,
Our thoughts and sympathy go out to you on your loss of Devin. God bless you all.
Dennis and Kate Bauers
Ret. Sgt. Bill Zeisset
October 23, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Joe Beliveau
October 23, 2006
We are so sorry for your loss. Your family has been in our thoughts and prayers.
Kiwan Guyton
October 23, 2006
Dave and Kim
God is above all things, lean on him for comfort and strength. Love Det. Kiwan Guyton and The Centreville Police Dept.
Jeanne & Rich Kruse
October 23, 2006
Dear Dave, Unfortunately Rich and I did not have the pleasure of meeting Devin, but since knowing you he must have been a very special little boy. Rich also lost a son several years ago so we do feel your loss. Our deepest sympathy's go out to you and your family. We're here if you need anything. God Bless.
TOD DOWDY
October 23, 2006
DAVE AND KIM, MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN THE LOSS OF DEVIN.
Ret. Lt. Terry Zeisset
October 23, 2006
Our thoughts are prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Karen Gordon Mike Irwin
October 23, 2006
Dave and family, may your memories be the gifts that ease your pain. Our thoughts and prayers are with you may God hold you close to his heart. karen Gordon and mike Irwin
Mike Fisher
October 23, 2006
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
William Moseley
October 23, 2006
Dave & Kim
I know words mean little during a time such as this but try to use the memory of Devon to keep you strong. You and your family are in my prayers.
Calvin & Tracey Brown
October 23, 2006
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.
Chris Brussatti
October 23, 2006
Dave and Kim: I am so sorry about the loss of Devin. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Sarahjini Nunn
October 23, 2006
Dave & Kim, Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Santita Nunn- McClean
October 23, 2006
Dear Dave and Kim, The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.
Cheryl Jacobs
October 23, 2006
Dave & Kim,
I was so sorry to hear about the loss of Devin. My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time. Lean on God for comfort and strength. My deepest sympathy. Love You.
Roy & Dorothy Nunn
October 22, 2006
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Charles Grooss
October 22, 2006
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Jerri Hochmuth
October 22, 2006
Dave & Kim,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I feel blessed to have known Devin and have been forever touched by his strength and courage. God Bless You.
Jennifer LaRue
October 22, 2006
Dear Dave & Kim,
My deepest sympathy & prayers are with you at this difficult time. I feel blessed to have been a small part of Devin’s life & will be forever grateful for the time I had with him. He was a beautiful soul who with your efforts accomplished so much in his short time here & he is leaving behind a legacy that will continue to help others. May God Bless you & continue to watch over you & your family in your time of need. You are in my thoughts & prayers.
Dwight and Renee Cox
October 21, 2006
We are so very sorry for your loss. You don't know us, but we lost our daughter a year ago. We wish you love and peace during this time. Your family will always be in our thoughts and prayers. You may contact us at any time. We live around the corner from you. God Bless.
Brian and Bev Gustafson, Retired D-7
October 20, 2006
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
James Vest
October 20, 2006
Dave and Kim, There are no words to express the passing of Devin. My family and I have your family in our prayers. God bless you all.
Catherine Dus
October 20, 2006
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. May God Bless all of you in a very special way and watch over you and keep you safe and out of harms ways. You have my deepest sympathy at this time.
Steve and Maryanna Crow (Lt, ret.)
October 20, 2006
Dave and Kim,
We realize that words fall far short at this time but know that your faith will carry you through and in time help lighten your burden. We lost our daughter 28 years ago and still have tears as we recall the past. God helped us as he will most surely help you. Our prayers are with you all.
Ret. Lt. John Herbek
October 20, 2006
We are sorry to hear about Devin.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Harrison, Heath, Meme & Brad Greer
October 20, 2006
Harrison and Devin will see Grandpa Milford's dream fulfilled. They will remain friends for eternity. We will all be family forever. Love from the Greer Family
Lee Cherry
October 20, 2006
Dave, no words will be able to change the pain and loss you have encountered. Let the time that you and your family shared with Devin be your light.I am sorry for your loss and I am here for you and your family
Joe Stambaugh
October 20, 2006
Kim and Dave, God bless you and your family, may his memory live forever.
Sarah L. Neal
October 20, 2006
Brother and Sister Marsh,This is sister Sarah Neal,from the Ira Grove Freewill Baptist Church,sending you and your family my sympathy on your loss.
Jacqueline Stennis
October 20, 2006
To Kim&Dave and family,
I'm sorry to hear about Devin. May you have peace in knowing that you gave him love and support throughout his illness. He knew he was loved by many.I pray that God will strengthen you during this difficult time.
Lewis & Jeannette Cochran
October 20, 2006
Dearest Dave and Kim: Please know that we understand your loss. We are praying for you and your entire family. Please lean heavily on help from the Lord. He will never leave you or forsake you. He is a very present help in your time of sorrow. Love,
Leslie & Pat Melton
October 20, 2006
May God strengthen and comfort you doing this time.
ADRIANE HAWKINS
October 20, 2006
Kim & Dave I'm so sorry for the lost of your baby boy. I pray that God will strengthen you and your family during this time of sorrow.
Adriane Jacobs Hawkins & Family
Mary Rhodes
October 20, 2006
I am so very sorry for your loss. Having lost my own child I know it's devestating. I pray for your strength and comfort. May God bless your family.
vicki and george pierce
October 20, 2006
We were so lucky and blessed to meet Devin and his family. They showed so much strength and courage. He and his family touched our family for the short time we knew them. We met them at Childrens hospital and during a weeks time was moved by the family. We are sorry about the loss of Devin. We will keep you in our prayers and will never forget Devin.
Carol Mann
October 20, 2006
I am so sorry for your loss. May GOD keep you close and help you through this time of sorrow.
Brian Clay
October 20, 2006
Love you man. The Fort family is in our prayers.
Jim,Myra Utley
October 20, 2006
The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.
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