Obituary of Patrick Leo Fortney

April 6, 1941 - Hanover, Ontario

August 23, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patrick Fortney, beloved husband of Wanda Fortney (nee Martin), of Calgary, AB, who peacefully passed away on Friday, August 23, 2024, at the age of 83 years.

Patrick was born in Hanover, ON, on April 6, 1941. He married the love of his life, Wanda, in 1966, after nine wonderful years of dating. Their marriage was an example to those who were able to share in their many dinner parties. In 1969, he and his young family made the big move to Calgary, AB, where they built a life full of love, adventure, and cherished memories.

With a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Waterloo, Patrick had a successful career in the electrical industry which later led him into the oil and gas sector. His passion for teaching eventually brought him to SAIT, where he inspired many as an instrumentation instructor.

An accomplished rifle target shooter, Patrick competed for a spot on the Canadian national team for the Canada Games in New Westminster, BC, in 1973. He proudly represented Canada in Bisley, England, and was honoured to participate in the Winchester US Centennial Palma rifle challenge in 1976.

Patrick had a zest for life and a deep connection to the outdoors. He loved spending time in nature, whether it was hiking through the Rockies, hunting with his sons, or skiing with his children and grandchildren. His outdoor adventures were a way for him to share his love of nature with those he loved most. One of Patrick’s most memorable adventures was dog sledding in the Yukon on part of the Iditarod trail—a vacation that perfectly combined his love for the outdoors with his adventurous spirit.

Patrick was known for his sharp intellect and his dry, witty sense of humour. His favourite saying, “Understand it, don’t memorize it,” was a guiding principle he passed on to his family and his students at SAIT, especially when tackling the challenges of “new” Math, a name that never failed to make him scowl. His detailed storytelling, potent cocktails, and warm presence will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Patrick is survived by his loving wife Wanda, his daughter Rosanna (David Shipley), his sons, Michael (Sharon Fortney) and Mitchell Fortney; and his three grandchildren, Alistair and Ethan Shipley and Emma Fortney. He is also survived by his sisters, Rosie Rae (Paul Rae) and Delores Bounsall; his sister-in-law Eileen Fortney, and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Wilfred and Louisa Fortney; his brother Karl Fortney, his sisters, Doreen Campbell and Beatrice Pickard; and nephew Steven Fortney.

Patrick’s legacy of love, laughter, and adventure will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church (1600 Acadia Drive SE, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall.

A private graveside service will be held at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Kidney Foundation, 6007 1a St SW, Calgary, AB T2H 0G5), Telephone: (403) 255-6108, www.kidney.ca.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Patrick’s family here.

In living memory of Patrick Fortney, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.