Rev. John Fortier
1934-2020
Peacefully in his sleep in the early
hours of Saturday, December 05, 2020, John
Fortier, husband and father to this family, passed
through into the glory that awaits all the saints of the
Lord.
Born David John Philias Fortier on
Mother’s day Sunday, May 13, 1934 to Gerald Paul Romeo (GPR)
Fortier and Blanche Victoria Smithers in a little farmhouse somewhere
in LaPrairie, Quebec, John came by train in his mother’s lap
to Melbourne, Que., where GPR had begun helping his father Philias
with his dairy farm at the top of what is now Fortier
Road.
John came to personal faith in Jesus at
the age of 16, and chose to pursue ministry in the Presbyterian Church
in Canada, studying for his B.A. at Sir George Williams College
(McGill) in Montreal, and then at Presbyterian College, finishing in
1960. His ordination in Melbourne, Quebec, was the first bilingual
ordination ceremony in the history of the Presbyterian Church in
Canada. His first pastorate was in Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia, where he
met and married a fiery redhead, Shirley Marie MacKay, of Riverview in
1961. Rev. John and Shirley Fortier went on to minister with the
Presbyterian Church in the communities of Lancaster, Ontario, where
Andrew John (1965) and Shelley Anne (1967) were born, and Tiverton
Ontario, where Gregory Gerald was born (1971). They moved in 1975 to
Prince Edward Island, and served in the Richmond Bay Charge, based in
Tyne Valley and later relocated to Summerside. After moving on from
pastoral ministry, John worked with the Bible Book House in
Charlottetown, and then with the Dept. of Veteran’s Affairs,
while Shirley went on to serve the church in ministry in Freetown.
Happily retired to Riverview/Port Howe, John loved singing with the
Oxford and Area Men’s Club and occasionally performed
pastoral duties, while Shirley played the organ and regularly served
as pulpit supply. They had just celebrated their
59th wedding anniversary in
August.
Those who knew him, knew his love for
the Lord and His word, and his service to the Kingdom of God (and his
family!) in prayer will only be known in full on the other side. He
had many life verses, but one in particular stands out: “Commit
thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him, and He shall bring it to
pass” (Psalm 37:5). He was steadfast in faith in his God all
during the time of his illness, and admonished us with this verse
regularly.
John loved nature, especially the woods:
walking in it, caring for it and creating and building with
it. He was always up for a new challenge as evidenced by his
taking flying lessons in his 50’s and trying kayaking for
the first time at 85. John had a special heart for children
of all ages and they seemed to be naturally drawn to him, sensing a
kindred childlike spirit within him.
John was predeceased by his youngest
brother Paul (Judy), and sister Estelle (George) Blouin. He is
survived by two brothers: David (Ellie) in Alberta, and Raymond
(Lynne) in Melbourne, along with several generations of Fortier (and
Blouin!) descendants. He was fond of all his family, and very proud of
his heritage, having spent years compiling a genealogy for our
family.
Remaining here are his wife Shirley, his
son Andrew (wife Diane and son Jonathan), daughter Shelley Duesbury
(husband Andrew, children Hannah and Daniel), and son Greg (wife
Stephanie, daughter Eliana and precious foster child Valkyrie). There
are cousins, nieces and nephews, and their progeny near and far, not
to mention quite a few “adoptees” into the family, who are
all precious to them.
John and Shirley have been blessed
abundantly by the people of God from every church tradition, and we
wish to express our deep gratitude to all their friends and
neighbours. Thanks also to the VON nurses, homecare, the
palliative care team and Dr. Peter Blaikie who cared for our family
during John’s illness.
Arrangements are under the care and
guidance of W. Allen Funeral Home, 60
Water Street, Oxford, NS (902-447-2167) from where a time of
visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 from 5-8
pm. A funeral service will be held on Thursday at 2 pm at
the St. James Presbyterian Church in Oxford. All are welcome
to attend, however due to current restrictions, pre-registration is
required. Please email or call the funeral home to
register. Please bring your mask and respect social distance
guidelines.
At the request of the family, in lieu of
flowers, donations in memory of John may be made to St. James
Presbyterian Church, Oxford, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church,
Riverview, NS or a charity of the donor’s choice
Sharing of memories and condolences may
be sent to John’s family by visiting his online memorial at
www.allenfuneralhome.ca or through the W. Allen Funeral Home Facebook
Page.
Click here to View Condolences
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Rev John Fortier 19342020..
Death notice for the town of: Oxford, Province: Nova Scotia