Roger Joseph Gerald Denis Fortin

Roger Denis Fortin lived a beautiful life filled with hard work, love, adventure, family, and lasting friendships. He was a talented builder, a devoted husband and father, a proud grandfather, and a man who embraced life with determination, enthusiasm, and a wonderful spirit.

Roger began his life on a farm near Mariapolis, Manitoba, the second youngest of four children born to Flora (Trudel) and Napoleon Fortin. During his early years, he attended Welsh School No. 1002, where he graduated from Grade 7 with honours. From a young age, Roger demonstrated a strong work ethic and a determination to build a life with his own two hands.

His journey eventually took him west to Port Alberni, British Columbia, where he worked at Alberni Engineering and met the love of his life, Aline Côté. Together, they began building their future, constructing their first few homes in Port Alberni and starting a family of their own. Their daughter, Elaine, was born on September 26, 1962, followed by their son, Wayne, on February 13, 1965.

In 1969, Roger and Aline moved to Brooks, Alberta, where Roger established his own construction company, Newell Construction. It was a time of hard work, new beginnings, and plenty of fun. Roger took up curling, a sport he and Aline both loved. They attended many bonspiels, making wonderful memories and forming lifelong friendships with their curling family. Friday nights often found them dancing at the Elks Club or Legion, where they were always among the first couples on the dance floor—and the last to leave!

In 1973, their next adventure took them to Winfield, British Columbia, in the sunny Okanagan Valley. Roger continued his construction business, building beautiful homes and swimming pools. Never one to shy away from a project, he even built his own camper to match his new Ford pickup truck!

Life in Winfield was filled with wonderful memories. Roger and Aline loved entertaining family and friends, boating and water-skiing on Lake Kalamalka, and, of course, enlisting family members to help with cherry picking. Winters brought more curling, keeping their friendships and favourite traditions alive.

Although they cherished their years in the Okanagan, Roger and Aline decided in 1979 to return to Port Alberni to be closer to their extended family. Roger semi-retired, working as a welder at Alberni Pulp and Paper while also building their final dream home. Island life suited them beautifully. They enjoyed camping, fishing in the Canal, participating in fishing derbies, and making the most of all the West Coast had to offer.

One of life’s greatest joys arrived when Elaine, who was working in Port Alice, shared the happy news that Roger and Aline were going to be grandparents. Their granddaughter, Merissa, brought a whole new kind of happiness into their lives. Uncle Wayne, an avid commercial fisherman, was equally delighted to have a little niece. He loved playing with her, teasing her, and making her feel special.

Tragically, during the May long weekend of 1995, Roger, Aline, Elaine, and Merissa lost a precious part of their hearts when Wayne died in a motor vehicle accident. Wayne was a gentle soul whose life was taken far too soon. His memory remained forever treasured in the hearts of those who loved him.

In their later years, Roger and Aline retired to the beautiful, quaint town of Qualicum Beach. They spent many winters travelling and snowbirding in Arizona and Mexico, where they continued to make wonderful memories and built yet another extended family of friends. They enjoyed participating in community events, and Roger especially loved playing billiards with the resident “Pool Sharks.” His talents and generosity remained as strong as ever. During their time in Qualicum Beach, he also helped Elaine and Mike build their home—a lasting gift that reflected his skill, dedication, and love for his family.

In 2025, Roger enjoyed two very special trips. One took him back to Manitoba to visit the Fortin family and the places where his life began. The other brought him to Montana to visit his granddaughter, Merissa, and Nicholas Rossi at their little farm. These visits were especially meaningful, reconnecting him with family, cherished memories, and the people he loved.

Roger’s life was one of building—not only homes, but also a family, friendships, and a lifetime of treasured memories. He worked hard, loved deeply, danced joyfully, travelled with curiosity, and always found ways to share his talents with those around him. He leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, laughter, and countless memories that will continue to honour his life for generations to come.

The family finds comfort in knowing that Roger has been reunited in heaven with his beloved wife, Aline. Though his passing leaves a profound sadness in the hearts of all who loved him, they take solace in knowing that Roger and Aline are together again, forever united in love.

Roger was predeceased by his parents, Napoleon and Flora Fortin; his brothers, René Fortin and Donald Fortin; his sister, Doris Fortin; his beloved son, Wayne Fortin; and his loving wife of 65 years, Aline Fortin.

He leaves behind his beloved daughter, Elaine (Mike Conrad); his cherished granddaughter, Merissa (Nicholas Rossi); and his stepson, Adam Conrad. Roger will also be fondly remembered and deeply missed by his many nieces and nephews, extended family members, and dear friends from near and far.

~A beautiful life, well lived~