Ed "Eddie" Fortner

The world lost one of it's most creative, unique and singularly gifted people on Wednesday, October 23, 2013. Eddie was born February 9, 1949 in Rome, New York to an East Texas Air Force sergeant and a Sicilian immigrant. He grew up with two brothers & two sisters in Hawaii and Waco before moving to Austin. He spent most of his career with Rylander's, Tom Thumb & Randall's as a store director. Most recently he was a store director for Spec's, where he was privileged to work with many smart, caring and interesting co-workers.

Eddie was curious and passionate about learning all he could about the world. He was a student of history, philosophy, politics and culture and could spend hours talking about or debating a viewpoint. A great day for Eddie would involve cooking a gourmet meal, a cigar, gin & tonic, a lively conversation and some work in his back yard or one of his myriad creative outlets. He was an inspired artist--whether with a paintbrush, sculpture, wood, sketches or any of his creations that defy categorization. He was amazed by the beauty of all that is nature, whether it was a bug, an animal, a leaf, a rock, a colorful clump of dirt, a sunset or a nighttime sky.

He will be especially missed by his greatest accomplishment, his precious daughter Shawn, and her extraordinary husband Alex Kombogiannis of Astoria, New York. His always supportive, loving friend & brother John will always miss his big brother, as well as Chuck, Missy & Nancy. Shawn's mother & first love, Debbie Fuller, always kept a special place in her heart for him. His much loved friends Larry & Gail Smith of Canyon Lake have also lost a light in their lives, as have countless people that he touched during his short life.

A gathering of friends will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 pm on Sunday, October 27 at Weed-Corley-Fish at 3125 North Lamar.