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ROBERT L. FORTNEY
1953 - 2014
ROBERT L. FORTNEY
1953 - 2014
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1953
DIED
2014
ROBERT FORTNEY Obituary
Cliff Elder
April 9, 2024
I happened to be sharing a story about Bob with my wife when I decided to search the internet to see if I could find Bob's current whereabouts. How sad to find out the be passed away so young! My room was next to Bob's in Acacia frat house at Miami Unversity in 1974 -75 when Bob was in his fifth year. We played hearts, went to the Kentucky Derby, saw Led Zeppilin at the Richfield Coliseum. Wonderful memories. Bob was the nicest guy. So sad to hear of his passing.
Cam Morton
January 16, 2020
Its 2020 and I just learned of my old buddy's passing several years ago. Of course I feel shocked. Bob was such a good person. We were very close throughout the Miami years, beginning our freshman as fellow architecture students and residents of Morris Hall. Bob's room was a few doors down the hall and we spent a lot of time together both in architecture classes and out of class. He also was one of the people I turned to launching a new business in Cleveland in the 90s. Bob was a one of my close friends whom I turned to when considering who I would want beside me in my wedding ceremony. Geography separated us, but Bob was one of the people I was fortunate to know whom I will not ever forgot. Such a good man he passed far too soon. Tonight is a sad night.
February 16, 2015
I was shocked to learn of Bob's passing while reading the Miamian. I was "Gronk's" dorm roommate his senior year in Hahne Hall. Many memories of his late night last minute architecture project deadlines. We are sorry for your loss of your husband and father. Sincerely, Norb and Diana Geiss
Venice, Florida
Wesley Surritt
October 31, 2014
Dear Ruth and family, I was most saddened to hear of Bob's passing. Bob was an inspiration to me, both personally and professionally and I have found myself quoting his words many times over the past eight years. Wes Surritt, President - Wooden It Be Nice, Ltd.
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October 30, 2014
We are sorry for your loss of your dear husband and father. Sincerely, The Staff @ Fish Furniture
October 28, 2014
So Sorry to hear of your loss. Chuck worked for Bob when he first started the Company. Will always remember Bob. Our Thoughts and prayers are with your family Chuck & Peggy Galeti
October 27, 2014
Ruth and Family, I am sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was very instrumental in my early years in business. A great guy to do business with and to be a friend. I haven't seen him in awhile so I stopped in the office to catch up about a month ago. Sadly he was not in. The contracting world is a lessor place without him.
Rich Svoboda
October 26, 2014
Dear Ruthie and the Girls,
I am sorry for your lose of such a great husband and father. I have always felt honored to know and be friends with Bob. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Lou Occhionero
Peg Green
October 26, 2014
Wow, he would lift me up - literally!!! and really high - every time I would see him again after long times apart. How wonderful for us cousins getting together, starting from our days as little children. Such marvelous memories of family gatherings over the years. My dad, Bob's uncle Harry, would have been right there with Mary and Bob welcoming Bob for the glorious final family gathering.
Thank you, Lord, for Bobby.
Psalm 92:5 "How great are Your doings, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep."
Love you Ruth, Katie, Chelsea, Megan and Jessie.
"Love never fails." I Cor 13:8
October 26, 2014
My god bless you at your loss your in my thoughts and prayers Rick and family
October 25, 2014
Dear Ruth & Girls,
We were so sorry to learn of Bob's passing. Our prayers & deepest sympathy to all of you in your loss. He was certainly a very special man!
Hugs to all of you!
Judy & Andy Dunn
October 25, 2014
So very sorry for your loss Rick. You and your family will be in my prayers.
October 25, 2014
Dear Ruthie, Katie, Jessie, Megan and Chelsea,
You were the lights in Bob's life. Wonderful memories never die!
With sympathy and love.
Carol -- Sometimes called "Mom"
October 24, 2014
Our prayers for Bob and his family. He will always be remembered.
Larry Kovacs (ALF)
Julie McCallister
October 24, 2014
Ruthie and all the beautiful Fortney girls~
I was lucky to meet Bob just a few months ago, I learned quickly that he was this giant in life, yet as gentle as can be. Meeting with Bob and Ruthie, was watching a true TEAM in action, a true definition of marriage. It didn't take long to realize that the Fortney Family is an amazingly tight family, and in todays world, this is a breath of fresh air. What a wonderful legacy he leaves behind. My heart of filled with sadness because he left way to soon.
October 24, 2014
Dear Ruthie, Katie, Jessie, Megan and Chelsea ,
We are so sorry for the loss of Bob ( Bobby) . He was a wonderful friend.He will be deeply missed.Bob left a lasting impression on everyone he met,he was kind and gentle man. Prayers for peace and strength.
Love, Joe and Sue Corsaro
Larry Fortney
October 24, 2014
Dear Rurh, Jessie, Megan, Katie, and Chelsea
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please accept our sincere sympathy.
I remember the day he was born and the excitement we all had of a new family member. He was a giant of a baby and and became a giant of a man. He had great expectations and plans for his future, and they all turned out to be sucessful. We will miss hearing his thoughts and stories. Its hard to face the loss of a long-time friend and relative, even from far away. We send our deepest sympathy to you and the girls.
Larry & Nancie Fortney
Rhonda Corn
October 24, 2014
Bob Fortney was a wonderful man, kind, generous and a well-respected business man--everyone loved Bob!! Prayers and condolences to the entire Fortney family and all of the employees at Fortney & Weygandt who loved Bob!
October 24, 2014
Avon Lake High School, class of 1971 had few graduates with the ability to make a huge lasting impression like Bob when you met him. We often referred to him as the "gentle giant" for his great demeanor. Far too soon to say goodbye.
Keith Rust
Pittsburgh
Doreen and John Thomas
October 24, 2014
We are filling the emptiness in our hearts with wonderful and happy memories of a loving man, who was more than our friend. Ruthie, Katie, Jessie, Megan and Chelsea, you are in our thoughts, and have our love and prayers.
October 24, 2014
Megan and family, We were sadden to hear about Bob and will keep you all in our prayers. We will miss seeing him at the CCH Golf outing.
The Swine Sisters, Inc
Glenn Scherba
October 24, 2014
I went to college with Bob at Miami U. Many fond memories of those times in the Architecture department. His nickname was the "Gronk" back then. My condolences to his family. You will be missed Gronk.
Dan and Judi Hughes
October 24, 2014
Dear Ruth, Jessie, Megan, Katie and Chelsea,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the loss of your beloved husband/father. Through Jessie, we knew of the wonderful love for each other in your family. May God give you strength and comfort to heal your broken hearts.
Dan and Judi Hughes
Teresa Miller
October 24, 2014
Words can't express how my heart is aching for Bob's girls and is wife. Ruth, Jessie, Megan, Kate and Chelsea...you are all in my prayers. May God give you the strength to get through this difficult time in your lives. May you have peace and comfort in knowing that his suffering is over. RIP Bob. You were an inspiration to so many. You will never be forgotten.
October 24, 2014
Many good memories from Avon Lake and Lakeshore Methodist! Our prayers are with you all! Thomas Palmer
Harry Burd
October 24, 2014
The news of Bob's death is disheartening, to say the least. We seldom have the opportunity to meet a wonderful gentleman like Bob Fortney, and I was fortunate enough to know him. My heartfelt condolences to his loving wife and family.
Gary Fischer
October 23, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at Roberts passing. Bob touched many lives and will be truly missed.
October 23, 2014
Ruth & girls......I'm so sorry. So happy to see him at the wedding. He was so proud. Uncle Bob & Aunt Mary would have been so very proud of him with all his accomplishments and his fight for life. Even though I live far away he will be missed in our family. May God be with all of you at this hard time in your lives. We all have precious memories.
Carolynn Fortney Hamilton
Dolly Pointner
October 23, 2014
Peace be with you all. You are in our prayers. There were some big winds on Pelee and they brought in some beautiful Pelee glass the other day. Beauty created from the broken. Death makes everything around look broken. Praying for you to feel and be surrounded by some beauty. Be patient, like Pelee glass it can take time. Peace and Prayers - Dolly Pointner
Anne Hendrickson
October 23, 2014
My heart goes out to your family during this difficult loss. We know that no words can help ease the pain and loss that you are feeling right now. You are in our every prayer and thought.
Anne Hendrickson and Family
"God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered "Come to Me." With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best." Author Unknown
Denise LaValle
October 23, 2014
Bob was truly a great boss. He came to work every day in good spirits even though you know he wasn't feeling well. His voice would Boom down the hall "BID DAY, BID DAY!!!" He loved the challenge of it. He will be missed in this office. I am so very, very sorry Ruth, Jessie, Katie, Megan & Chelsea for your loss! "BOOM SHAKA LAKA" !
Wayne Van Dyne
October 23, 2014
Ruthie, Katie,Jessie, Megan,and Chelsea. I am truly sorry for the loss of Bob. Not only the best boss but a true friend. I will never forget the times on Peelee. My prayers are with you all.
Loreen
October 23, 2014
I was honored to know Bob and privileged to call him "friend" (and pseudo "bro"). I hold you all in my prayers and heart.
ken hart
October 23, 2014
Bob Fortney was the one true friend I had in high school. He was always such a big thinker and I for one was never one to doubt he would be successful in life, business, and especially family. The importance of doing things right and with gusto in business could only be superseded by his priority of family and the success of Ruthie and the girls. He was always so proud to share about the girls, what they were doing, and how well they were doing. BUT Ruthie is the glue that bound all together. Together Bob and Ruthie were the supreme team. BOB: we will miss you terribly.
Barbara Eppele
October 23, 2014
Ruth, Katie, Jessie, Megan and Chelsea. We are so sorry for your loss. Bob was a wonderful person with a spirit of infectious joy and optimism, even in the midst of his health issues. We will never forget him, and share in your grief. He left far too soon. With love and sympathy, The Eppele Family
The JJ Connor Company
October 23, 2014
Our condolences to both the immediate family and his Fortney Weygandt family.
Kate Vinciquerra
October 23, 2014
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
October 23, 2014
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
- Katie (Lustek) Schick
October 23, 2014
Ruthie and girls, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I would like to think my mom is part of the welcoming committee for Bob. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lori (Schaefer) Spencer and family
Ray Simpson
October 23, 2014
Ruth and family, I am so sorry to see the passing of Bob. I knew he had some health isues, but it is so hard to lose aloved one. Peace be with you. You are in my prayers. God Bless
John Briere
October 23, 2014
Our condolences to both the immediate family as well as his Fortney Weygandt family
October 23, 2014
Ruth, Katie, Jessie, Megan and Chelsea. So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was a great man. Prayers and comfort to all of you at this time.
Greg, Erika, Gregory and Emma Codner
Jim Crum
October 22, 2014
We were so saddened to hear of your families loss. Our thoughts and prayers for comfort go out to you all in this time of grief.
Larry Wittmer
October 22, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family in this time of greif. Reflect back and celebrate a wonderful life of such a special loved one.
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