Gail & Philip Davis
Condolences Stella & family. Treasure all your wonderful memories.
FORTIN, Adrien - It is with heavy hearts filled with love that we mourn the passing of Adrien Ludger Fortin, 77, who peacefully passed on February 18th at his home in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, with family by his side.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 54 years, Stella (née Wirzman), and his children: Robbie (Lorri), Danny (Karla), Jamie (Lore-Lee), and Ashley (Ryan). His biggest and most proud accomplishments were his grandchildren, Sloane, Cash, Jack, Max, Avery, Ethan, Ryley, Leo and Beau, who will all dearly miss their papa. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, eight siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. Adrien was born on the steps of the hospital in Rouyn-Noranda, Québec, to Maurice and Marie-Rose Fortin (predeceased).After moving to Val D’Or, Québec, for a short time, Adrien and his family then moved to Larder Lake, Ontario. Adrien’s first job ever was working for Weston Bakery, in Kirkland Lake. He then began his working career at the Kerr Addison Mines in Virginiatown, where he worked for over 25 years. During this time, as fate would have it, he met the love of his life and his future wife only a few weeks later. After the birth of their first son, he moved his family to Kirkland Lake.
With the closing of Kerr Addison Mines, Adrien worked for A.F. Genier and Normick-Perron for short periods of time. A little while later, when the Department of Veterans Affairs in Kirkland Lake opened, Adrien was fortunate enough to be one of the first hired for a position in Human Resources. Coworkers would describe him as a genuine, honest, and hard-working man. Adrien was a reliable, trust-worthy team player who was always friendly and approachable with everyone.
Adrien was a true handyman, always helping others with repairs and renovations. It was even more important for him to be able to pass on his knowledge and work ethics to others, including his children and grandchildren. Rarely would you see Adrien without a hammer in one hand, a measuring tape in the other, and a pencil on his ear. For decades, he went from one home to the next, designing, preparing, building, and finishing projects for his four children and their families. It was very important for him that his family was well taken care of. In his younger years, Adrien was always referred to as Handy Andy because of his many skills. He was a very proud man; he lived his life always putting his family first. If any of his children had an event, you could bet that Adrien and Stella were always in the stands, number one fans.
In his spare time, he enjoyed spoiling his cocker spaniel, Lexie, who passed away at home only weeks before Adrien. When he wasn’t fixing something in the house or outside, he was practicing and preparing for his other favorite pastime: singing with the Ensemble Melodia choir. He was always a musical man and being able to share in music with people he admired were happy times for him. If anyone had a question about politics, he was the one to ask. His love for CNN and reading non-fiction books gave him knowledge that made it so he always had an answer for everything. When anyone had a problem or needed advice, Adrien, dad, or papa was the first person we would all go to. It did not matter what he would be doing, he would gladly stop to help. He was a quick-witted man and had impeccable timing with his hilarious one-liners. One of the motto’s Adrien always lived by was that, if you’re going to do something, do it right the first time. This went for anything: construction projects, cleaning, making supper, gardening, shovelling, anything! At a young age, he joined the Knights of Columbus and participated in many volunteer projects that still run today; the biggest being the Knights of Columbus Campground. We will always be proud of his accomplishments and his legacy.
In his final hours, Adrien was wearing his favorite shirt, which his children bought him years ago. It read, I’m just like BACON: I make everything better. And it was always true. Now, wherever he is, it is a better place because he is there.
The Fortin family would like to extend a special thank you to the Kirkland Lake Hospital staff, PSW’s and VON workers who tended to Adrien and made sure he was well taken care of and comfortable.
In lieu of flowers, Adrien requested that a donation in his name be made to the Knights of Columbus or Paroisse Assomption.
The family will welcome friends at FRENCH FAMILY FUNERAL HOME (111 Burnside Drive, Kirkland Lake, ON P2N 3L1) on Friday, March 4th, 2022, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 5th, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Paroisse Assomption.
Due to the ease in restrictions, we still require proof of vaccination, and all patrons must wear a mask. We strongly encourage that everyone continues to maintain social distances.
Condolences Stella & family. Treasure all your wonderful memories.
Please accept my deepest sympathies as you go through these very difficult times. May his soul forever Rest In Peace.
Heartfelt condolences to you in your loss. Adrien was a friendly guy and will be missed in our community. Sending hugs.
Deepest condolences to you and all of your families.
So many great memories of Adrien throughout the years. He will be truly missed.
My thoughts are with you guys.
So deeply sorry for the loss of Adrien. Condolences to all who knew and loved him. Prayers and hugs!
No words can be expressed to you Stella and your Family the sadness your Family is going though right now...a GREAT loss to everybody that knew or loved him...so very sorry for your loss.
Deepest sympathy's to you and yours. Love and prayers.
Our deepest sympathies to all the Family.
My deepest condolences to you Ashley and your family
It is with sadness Ernie and I send our condolences on your loss. Hold on to all those cherished memories. They will help you in those sad moments.
So very saddened to hear this news. Sid and I have known Adrien for a very long time. He will be so missed by everyone.
Condolences to all the family.
Rest easy Adrien.
My deepest sympathies. I have fond memories of Mr. Fortin especially his sense of humour.
Lots of hugs and prayers to the Fortin family.
Xoxo
Please accept my deepest condolences. May you find comfort knowing he is free of pain. Xoxo
So sorry to hear the loss of a great guy. Our prayers are with you.
I am so very sad to read of the passing of Adrien. I have so many fond memories of our families together especially at Nettie lake. I know and feel your heartache so please take comfort in all your wonderful memories you have and with the beautiful family you have. My deepest sympathy to you all. Prayers and thoughts to each of you.
Toutes mes sympathies, ma chère Céline.
Le Seigneur t'accompagne dans ce chemin difficile à parcourir;
qu'Il te donne - à toi et à toute la famille -
l'espérance de le revoir un jour.
Bon courage.
Deepest Condoleances to all of you. Will keep you in my prayers.
Sorry to learn of Adrien’s passing.
Stella so sorry for your loss. Adrien will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
We are so sorry Life is so short and unpredictable
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Adrien was a wonderful person & will be missed by many. May he Rest in Peace.
We are so sorry for your loss and send our sincerest condolences to you.
Memories of Adrien go back many years, including many Knights of Columbus functions and of course, camping at Nettie Lake. I remember Adrien as always ready to laugh, ready to help out, and so devoted to you, Stella, and your family. My deepest condolences to all.
Our deepest sympathies to all the Family.
Marcel and Claudette Guilbeault
I am so sorry for your loss. Uncle Adrien was a fun loving guy who will be missed! Sending hugs and thinking of you guys during this difficult time! Xxoo
Our most sincere sympathies to you and the family on the loss of your dear Husband, Father and Papa. Adrien was truly a lovely man and wonderful work colleague. I will most remember his laugh and smiling face. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you in this difficult time.
We are saddened by the loss of Uncle Adrien and send our love and prayers to you all at this difficult time.
My friend ~ may all the good memories keep you. Thank goodness for your Dad because he gave us you! Thinking of you & yours during this time & please be well.
I am saddened to hear of Adrien's passing and send my deepest condolences to you all. I had the pleasure of working with Adrien and enjoyed every conversation which included stories about his family. He had a great sense of humor, the best laugh and showed great care for all. May your many memories bring you comfort. RIP Adrien!
Heartfelt condolences to you all in your loss.
I will carry good memories of our time together in Ensemble Melodia. Adrien's sense of humour and willingness to help those around him added to the enjoyment of the choir.
MY CONDOLENCES TO YOU AND YOU AND FAMILIES
STELLA. WAS WAS SORRY TO HEAR OF ADRIEN'S
PASSING. MAY ALL THE HAPPY MEMORIES HELP TO EASE THIS HEAVY PAIN .
HUGS
Our sincere condolences to the family.
Prayers;
Fr. Wayne
I was very saddened to hear of your loss. Deepest sympathies to all of you and the entire Fortin clan.
Condolences to you all,so sorry for your loss.He was a wonderful man.
Sincere condolences to all of you. We always enjoyed meeting Adrien long after he left Kerr Addison Mines. He will be missed dearly.
So sorry for your loss
Adrien was a very kind man. May he Rest In Peace
So very sorry for your loss.
Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Words can not express the sadness I feel during this sad time. Please accept my sincere condolences and prayers.
Hi Jamie,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. My sympathies to all your family.
my condolences to family , with a very sad heart
I am so sorry to hear of Adrien's passing. My deepest sympathy and condolences during this difficult time. I had the privilege of working with Adrien at Veteran's Affairs. He was a lovely man, kind and friendly to everyone. May he rest in peace.
Our most heartfelt condolences for the loss of you husband and father, Adrien. He was a wonderful person and will be missed deeply. You and the family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Tony and Stasia
Sincere sympathies to you, Ashley, your mom, Robbie, Danny, Jamie, spouses and families. We know you were very close to your dad and he will be missed dearly. The precious memories you have of him will always keep him alive in your heart and your mind. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Grosse caresse ma belle.
Billie-Jean and Merdy Armstrong send our most sincere condolences. We had a great deal of RESPECT for Adrien.
Thinking of you and so very sorry for your loss . Sending heartfelt condolences. Sounds like you have a lot of great memories to help you through this difficult time.
Nos sincères condoléances à toute la famille!
…pride in speaking about his children and their accomplishments, his sparkling eyes when looking at you, Stella, singing a strong tenor line, head thrown back in laughter, always at every rehearsal and one of the first to offer his help with anything. That is how I will remember Adrien.
Rest In Peace my friend.
R.I.P. My friend and brother KNIGHT .
Aunt Stella, Cousin Robbie, Danny, Jamie, Ashley and families.
Sending our love and support after the passing of Uncle Adrien.
Not just my Uncle but a Dear Husband, Father & Grandfather.
Uncle Adrien will never be forgotten his memory lives inside of all you
and anyone who was lucky to meet him. I have many memories of him as he was part
of my life when growing up in Kirkland Lake and visiting your household in
Virginiatown & Kirkland Lake for family or special occassions.
I have two very special memories of him. One, is that Special Day on June 28th, 1969
when both of you said the words "I Do" I can remember the "sparkle in his eyes"
as my sister Kelly and I walked up the isle, Kelly as your Flower Girl and I the Ring Bearer.
The next was seeing the smile on Uncle Adriens face which was from "ear to ear" when he pulled up at my Nana's with his new Snow Crusier ( Ski-Doo). His machine was a double track and single front ski which nobody in Virginatown had, he was so proud.
Remember those we love don't go away they walk beside you everyday.
We are thinking of all of at this time.
Love you All
Mark, Jackie, Kory, Riley, Mary
I’m so very sorry to hear of Adrien’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with him. We shared some great laughs and good times. He was a funny and a kind man. He reminded me so much of my dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during very sad time. Cherish the beautiful memories to get through this very sad time. Take care xo
Adrien’s love of music, especially singing, expressed itself so eloquently through his participation and dedication to his choir, Ensemble Melodia. He was an integral part of the group, of that jovial “back row” that could be quite mischievous at times. He never missed rehearsals, was always encouraging and ready to help. His calm and harmonious nature admired by all! It was a pleasure to have spent so many Tuesday evenings with him!
On behalf of Ensemble Melodia, our deepest condolences.
Dolores
You have my deepest sympathies for your loss. Please know that Adrien was deeply loved and respected. In his career as Staffing Officer for VAC, he worked with passion, integrity, and energy. He had an eagle eye when it came to noticing inaccuracies and was always ready to challenge the status quo. Adrien was also a good friend to many of us and a great colleague. He had a good sense of humor and a gentle demeanor which are great qualities to have when one works with 20+ women. He will be sorely missed by a lot of people. My sorrow is slightly lessened with the comforting thought that I had the privilege to know him.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I hope you find peace and comfort during this difficult time.
We are so sorry to receive the news concerning Adrien.We were very fortunate to have met him and to have shared in the lives of his great family! He was always so friendly and cheerful and like many others we will miss him.
Our condolences to all-Brian and Gale
Our most sincere condolences. I only knew Adrien a short time as colleagues at Veterans Affairs in Kirkland but he was always a joy to speak with. He will be dearly missed
I am so very sorry for your recent tremendous loss. I became a VAC employee March 1991, and I remember when Adrien was hired. I remember our time there through the decades. I was on assignment three times in Human Resources and therefore worked in close proximity to Adrien. He was so unbelievably quick-witted, always laughing. Always willing to help people. Cherish all of your treasured memories.
Allen and I are sending our deepest sympathies with the passing of Adrien. I met Adrien in 1991 when we both started working with Veterans Affairs Canada. Within the first year we became friends and colleagues working in the Human Resources Directorate proving advice and guidance to our many clients. During the 20-25 years spent working in the unit, Adrien's dedication to his work, his kindness and his great sense of humor certainly contributed to the success of the Directorate. For Many years Adrien had the pleasure of being the only male in Human Resources, this I think he enjoyed. When Adrien retired years back he was greatly missed by his colleagues. Now he will be greatly missed by all. Rest in peace Adrien. Stella and Family may your precious memories ease the pain.
We were saddened to learn of Adrien's passing. He is now free of pain . You all have such beautiful memories keeping him close to your hearts. Our deepest condolences .
Adrien was such a wonderful man. I remember working with him at VAC. He was always willing to spend some time with me - offering advice and a listening ear. He was a safe place to land. His sense of humour made you recognize the stuff that really mattered in life. His laugh always made me laugh, and he had the best smile too.
Sending our sincere condolences to Stella and the Fortin Family.
So very sorry for your loss. We spent many hours in many arenas with Adrien. A nice man with a nice smile.
Don & Vivi Mervyn
So sorry for your loss. Share your memories with each other and the grandchildren…Adrian will always be in your hearts.
We are very sorry to hear of Adrien's passing our deepest sympathy to all the family.
From All the Breton's family
It's hard to believe and I feel very sad that my longtime friend from Larder Lake is no longer with us. We always kept in touch even from far away and I will be missing you Adrien.
My sincere condolences to you Stella and children.
Roger and Sue
Nos sympathies André. Je me souviens très bien d'Adrien. On était dans la même classe à Larder. Il était un gars que tout le monde aimait.
Raymond et Lise Blais
Dear Stella and family, I am so sad to actually believe that Adrien, your husband, your dad, your papa and my brother has left this life. May God prepare him a special place amongst his angels up there. My brother was a good man with such great family values. I only have good memories of him and I feel heartbroken. Be strong during this painful grieving time. Love to all, Céline xo
My sincere condolences for the loss of your dear husband Adrien. May he Rest In Peace.
To all my cousins ..Your father Adrian has passed on but his thoughts /hopes and dreams remain alive within all of you Our heartfelt condolences are with you all Love Sharon Marc Jesse &Jessi ..Alana xo
Stella ..when someone you love becomes a memory in time the memory becomes a treasure xo
Adrien is in the next room Love Sharon &Marc xo
Stella my wonderful niece please hold on to this thought ..My nephew Adrien God found a special spot for you in his garden and he only takes the best He will be missed with plenty of love Auntie Mae xoxo
My sincere and deepest condolences to you and to your family, Stella. I remember Adrien, who was a friend of Gisele and Roger Gosselin, from my youth in Larder Lake. My father, Tadeusz Twarowski, knew Adrien's parents well. May he rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing.
My sincere sympathies to you, Stella, and to your children and grandchildren, as well as to my Fortin cousins and their families on the passing of Adrien. So sorry to hear of his passing……wishing you strength and courage in this difficult time and may you find peace and comfort in all the wonderful memories you have build together and as a family. RIP Adrien……Love…..your cousin Diane.xoxo
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you at this sad time. Lorraine and Doug Dagelman
So very sorry to hear this sad news. Sincere condolences. Thinking of you all. A gentle soul has passed.
Saddened to hear of Adrien's passing.
He was a great guy who loved his family dearly.
I am sure he has found a place singing in a higher, heavenly choir.
Rest In Peace Adrien.
Bill and I are so very saddened to hear of Adrien’s passing.
Bill had the pleasure of working with Adrien at DVA , and I enjoyed singing in Ensemble Melodia with him.
He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
We want to express our deepest condolences for the loss of your Dad. We are sending lots of love and strength xo
We offer our sincere condolences to the entire Fortin family on the loss of Adrien and our thoughts and prayers are being channeled your way during this difficult time!
I had the pleasure of interacting and getting to know Adrien during our tenures at Veterans Affairs Canada. I always enjoyed working with Adrien knowing you would benefit from a variety of aspects, but primarily, his engaging personality, his strong work ethic and a drive and determination that would assist you in achieving your goals/objectives.
We trust the family will draw strength from the fond memories of Adrien that will be with them always. God Bless!
Condolences to the entire family. So sorry for your loss.
My sympathies on the of your husband, father and grandfather. What a beautiful legacy he has left
Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Adrian for many years in Human Resources at Veterans Affairs. His happy disposition, his quick wit and drive made him a great guy to work with. He was always willing to lend a hand and offer advice when requested. His family was his pride and joy and he loved to share stories of them. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Our deepest sympathies go out to you and the family, Stella. Adrien, my brother John (Gosselin) and my cousin Roger (Gosselin) were good friends. I remember the three of them showing up at our house on 8th Avenue in Larder Lake many times in the 1960s. We wish you peace and comfort in this difficult time.
So sorry to hear of Adrien’s passing, sincerest condolences Stella and to all of your family
Hello Stella!
We were so surprised to see the notice of Adrian’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Dave & Leona
Deepest sympathy Stella......memories will keep close in your heart.........
I met Adrien when we both started with Veterans Affairs Canada in 1991. He was a true gentleman, hard working and a joy to work with. He will be remembered fondly. My condolences to the entire family.
Tous nos sympathies à la famille et au proches d’Adrien , nous sommes en pensées avec vous tous.
Nos sincères condoléances à vous tous et aux personnes touchées par le décès d'Adrien!
Nos pensées et prières vous accompagnent en ces tristes moments...
Mon frère Louis-Marie se joint à nous pour vous offrir ses sympathies sincères!
Gardez en mémoire tous les beaux souvenirs que vous avez partagés ensemble.
Bon courage!
We are so sorry to hear about Adrien’s passing. Our deepest condolences goes out to you and all your families. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May the love around you help you through the days ahead, and that all the wonderful memories bring you comfort. He will be deeply missed! RIP Adrien…..Gisele & Maurice XO
Sincères sympathies à toute la famille et on pense fort à vous tous. Adrien va veiller sur vous tous maintenant. On vous aime.
So sorry to see the posting about Adrien's passing away. We both remember him when he was a co-worker at the Kerr Addison Mine.
Our condolences to you and your family.
God bless you and your family at this difficult time. Looking back over the years seeing you both at family functions we had so much fun talking with Adrien we truly will miss him.
I remembered his smile and laugh he always made me feel welcomed.
Daryl and I would like to offer our condolences to you and your family. May god grant you all the strength you need to carry on. With all our love Daryl and Darlene and family
(Brandon & Dillon).
I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of Mr Fortin. I have wonderful memories of him - always so kind and generous and never missing a basketball game!!! He was a great dad and helped to create some of my favourite, most treasured friends. I am thinking of you all and holding you close to my heart during this difficult time Xox
Pour la mémoire de notre frère Chevalier, Adrien, ayant été protégé par les Assurances des Chevaliers de Colomb, je tiens a vous souhaiter mes plus sincères condoléances. Bon courage à vous dans cette période de deuil.
Deeply saddened by this news. My heart goes out to all of you. Adrian -A true gentleman
Très bel hommage pour Adrien . Il était un homme exceptionnel .Je vous offre nos plus sincères condoléances et vous envoie pleins d’ondes de courage et de prières!
Stella and family
Our deepest condolences on the passing of Adrien. He was a kind man with a capturing warm smile. Thinking back I can still remember how happy both of you were at your wedding in being your bridesmaid. May memories comfort you
and your family and bring peace.
Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs
Linda & John
My deepest sympathy for your loss, my thoughts and prayers go out to all of you in this difficult time.
So sorry to hear of Adrien’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
We are so sorry to hear of Adrien's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very hard time.
Denise and Ian