It is with deep sadness that the family of Dennis Alain Fortier announce his passing, on April 5th, 2016 at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, Ontario.
Dennis was born September 16th, 1982 in Thunder Bay minutes before his twin brother Dave.
His journey in life was full of challenges as he was born with congenital heart disease; however he was determined to live his life to the fullest. At the age of 19, Dennis was blessed with the gift of a new heart. Dennis was a huge sports fan, cheering on the Montreal Canadiens, the Cleveland Browns, and his favorite boxer Floyd Mayweather.
He loved having his Uncles and Cousins over to watch a good fight or a big game. Most Sunday afternoons included coffee with his Dad and Grandpa Fortier.
Dennis loved to travel and made the most of his many medical trips to Toronto, often scheduling his appointments around sporting events or concerts. He enjoyed trying new hotels and eating at his favorite restaurants.
In addition to Toronto trips, Dennis’ favorite destinations were San Diego, Montreal and Las Vegas. One of his greatest memories was meeting boxer Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas as a gift from the Starlite foundation.
Dennis attended Dorion Public School and Nip-Rock High School. After his transplant he went on to further his education by earning diplomas in Television Broadcasting, Human Resources and Internet Technology.
Dennis held various jobs over the course of his life and enjoyed working at the Dorion Bottling Works, TD bank and most recently as a data analyst at the Brass Bell Early Years Center in Dorion. He greatly valued the relationships built with his coworkers and customers. Over the course of his life Dennis touched many people with his courage, strength, humility and his wonderful sense of humor.
Dennis will be greatly missed by his parents Alain and Karen Fortier, his twin brother David; brother Cory and wife Paige and his new nephew Bryce; grandparents Maurice and Therese Fortier; and his puppy Bonnie.
He was blessed with an incredibly close, large extended family and his many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins will miss him dearly. Dennis is predeceased by his grandparents Dewar and Ethel Keatley, his beloved Uncle Murray, his cousin Ryan and his dogs Stella and Mutty.
Having been a grateful organ recipient Dennis made sure he was a registered organ donor himself and his eyes will be donated to benefit another.
A celebration of Dennis’ life will be held on Saturday, April 9th at 2:00 p.m., at the Dorion Community Centre, Dorion Loop Road presided by Rev. Diane Hilpert-McIlroy and Deacon Dave Dupuis. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation (877) 846-4483 or the SickKids Foundation (800) 661-1083.
