Gerald Robert (Gerry) Fortin was born on Jan. 20, 1960 to Rene and the late Simone Fortin of the Souris-Elgin area, the third of 4 children. Gerry attended Elgin and Souris schools, and then spent a little time at Cor Enterprises in Brandon. From there he moved to Ninette, where he has been at home for most of the past 30 years, first at the Pelican Lake Training Center, then at Southwest Community Options. While in Ninette, Gerry was fortunate to try out many new things: some artistic and craft projects, some sports through the Special Olympics program and curling and bowling, as well as some jobs like his paper route and his job at the Ninette Motor Inn.
Gerry loved people, especially children, and he loved to tease. His giggles were infectious! He also loved animals of all kinds, especially his cat Suzie, and his family and friends, and especially those who have worked with him over the past many years. He enjoyed the special efforts of so many who took him home for such things as quad rides and visits with their families.
A trip to Toronto let Gerry see his favorite team in action: the Toronto Blue Jays and the Maple Leafs, both of which he followed on TV. He also enjoyed watching his nephews play hockey whenever he could. In 2015, Gerry was fortunate to travel to Las Vegas.
On March 26, 2016, Gerry passed away suddenly in Killarney. Gerry was predeceased by his Mom, Simone in 1981 and by his younger sister, Denise in 2003. He is survived by his Dad, Rene (Fern), his brothers Ron (Joanne) and Norm (Cheryl), 3 nieces, 4 nephews 2 great-nieces and and 1 great nephew. A private service was held for Gerry at the Souris-Glenwood Cemetery on March 30, 2016, followed by a memorial service in Ninette on April 1, 2016. In memory of Gerry, donations may be to the Southwest Community Option Inc. or to a charity of your choice.
Rest in peace, Gerry. You will be missed
I will never forget you, I am fortunate to have spent time with you every week for the last 4 years. Thank you and rest easy, forever in my heart. ~Trish~
Rene, Ron, Norm and families…..please accept my deepest sympathy regarding Gerry’s passing. I was fortunate to work with him in his home in Ninette while I was employed by Southwest & truly enjoyed the times we spent together. I will always remember his teasing ways, napping in his recliner, walking with him on his paper route & assisting him with his job at the motel, as well as visits to my home to see my cats. He had a strong work ethic whether it was yard maintenance or household chores, he could be counted on to get the job done.
I truly enjoyed assisting him in planning his trips to Toronto & pleased that they went so well. I have so many fond memories of our times together……a fellow like Gerry will definitely be missed…and never forgotten!!
He often spoke fondly of his sister and of his family and looked forward to getting together with you. Life’s work, well done!! May he now rest in peace.
RIP Gerry
So sorry to hear about Gerry’s passing he was a wonderful person and will be sadly missed. I worked with Gerry and he was a very good friend of my daughter who has Cerebral Palsy Gerry always asked how she was doing and when she would be coming home from Winnipeg for him to see her again. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
I’m sorry for your loss. Gerry I will miss him at work and at his home. The memories of Gerry won’t be forgotten.
Gerry was a great guy! Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. He will be missed, his smile and always saying hi to everyone.
Colleen Korne and Family
Out sincere condolences on Gerry’s passing. He had a kind soul and an infectious laugh. Always enjoyed the times I babysat him and Denise. He was a good guy…
Our deepest sympathy to Rene and family. Gerry was always like family to all of us.
So sorry to hear about Gerry. I used to ride the school bus with him – many years ago. I will always remember his ready, shy smile for everyone. My condolences.
Sorry to read this sad news. Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time
Our sincere condolences on Gerry’s passing. He was a wonderful person, and he will be missed. Years ago Gerry participated in our local Ninette Walking Club and he was very committed, and won awards for his participation. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rene, Fern and family, I am so sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing. I am thinking of you all at this difficult time. I remember picking up Gerry for supper with Denise when we lived in Brandon. He had such a wonderful smile and would tease us girls. My thought and prayers are with your family.
My deepest sympathies to all that are missing Gerry right now.
Thankyou, Gerry, for the privelage of working with you.
I will miss you
Rest in peace
I am deeply saddened by the news of your loss. I pray that God will grant you the strength needed to get through this moment in your life. My most sincere condolences. I remember Gerry from school. He was a very gentle soul.
Our sympathy to you all on the passing of Gerry, a great son, brother and friend to many!
My thoughts and prayers go to Gerry’s family and all those who knew him. I have known Gerry my whole life, I remember as a kid going to Rec hall at the Training Centre and my sister’s and I bowling with him on Friday nights, always a good time!! Gerry could always spot me a mile away and would call my name. When I moved to Alberta and would come back to visit, he would always see me if I went to Ninette with my mom (Linda Steinke). When I moved back to Manitoba in 2011 we lived in Ninette and Gerry would always walk by our house and yell hello, it was then that he met my son. In 2012 I was employed by SWCO and started working with Gerry. We always had a good time, lots of laughs, exercise, funny movies, sports shows and outings. Gerry was well known by all. Such a gentle soul. Gerry, I know you are now with your sister (he talked about her lots) and many of your other friends, I will miss your laugh and your jokes, but mostly your smile. Gone but never forgotten, rest easy my friend.
Sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing! I had the privilege of working with Gerry for many years at PLTC and have many, many fond memories of him. Gerry had an infectious smile and always enjoyed teasing whenever he had the opportunity. He always enjoyed visits to my home and loved it when my kids were home to visit and play games with. He will be missed by all who knew him. Condolences to Gerry’s family.
Ken and I would like to extend our sincere sympathy to all of you who had the chance to work alongside of Gerry …..He is and will be missed by all of us…. His quick wit and humour kept us on our toes… His deep questions and wanting to know if those that went ahead of him knew that he cared … I assure you that they are all waiting for you with open arms … Rest in peace Gerry and know that we cannot wait to dance with you one more time….God Bless
My sincerest condolences on the passing of Gerry. I worked with him for many years at the Pelican Lake Training Centre and have kept in touch with him since it closed. He was a pleasure to work with and we will miss his friendly presence in the community. My apologies for being unable to attend his service in Ninette on Friday but extend my sincerest sympathy to all the family.
To the Fortin Family,
Sorry for your loss. We would like to extend out sincere sympathy to all of you.
So sorry to hear this news. Our sympathies to you all. When I read all the condolences I am so sorry to having missed knowing him personally.