Aline Fortin

In Loving Memory of Aline Fortin

 January 16th, 1938 ~ December 15th, 2023

Aline began her life in Spiritwood, Saskatchewan, the second youngest of ten children born to Gertrude (née Beaulac) and Harry Cote. 

Whilst still a young girl, she and her family made their way to Port Alberni on Vancouver Island. There, she and her siblings later joined the Alberni Plywood plant, earning a reputation for playing pranks on each other and their co-workers; and it was during that time that she met the love of her life, Roger Fortin, who built their first home in Port Alberni, where they started their family. 

In 1969, inspired by her older brother Eddie, who had started a business in Alberta, they relocated to Brooks.  Roger started his own company, “Newell Construction”, and Aline was kept busy raising their daughter, Elaine, and son, Wayne, driving the local dry cleaner’s delivery van, and curling - a sport that Aline and Roger both loved. 

Brooks was a small town at that time, and soon they knew everyone, attending many bonspiels and socializing with their “curling family”. Aline’s curling team excelled, and played competitively.  She and Roger loved to entertain, and were also often found dancing at the Elks Club or Legion on Friday nights, always first and last on the dance floor!

In 1973 they moved to Winfield in the sunny Okanagan Valley.  There, Roger continued his business, building beautiful homes and swimming pools, whilst Aline did the decorating and created beautiful flower gardens. 

She was a great sport, and didn’t seem to mind when each house sold and the process began all over again! To her home-making activities she also added working in the fruit-packing house, raising and breeding adorable Teacup poodles (ensuring that many family members had one), boating and water-skiing on Lake Kalamalka, and entertaining-out-of-town guests (who of course were roped in for cherry picking). She and Roger also continued honing their curling skills. 

They had so many wonderful memories of their life in Winfield; however, in 1979, they decided to move back to Port Alberni to be closer to their extended family. There, Roger semi-retired, as a welder, and they built their last dream home.  In her spare time (ha-ha!) Aline put together a fantastic curling team that actually won its way to the B.C. Finals! 

For those of you who knew her during these times, you will fondly remember the wonderful stories that went along with these wins and all those bonspiels! 

The Island was a wonderful place to camp and fish, and Aline enjoyed it all.  From camping to glamping, fishing in the Canal, and participating in fishing derbies, she and Roger lived Island life to the fullest!

Elaine was working in Port Alice when she shared the happy news that Aline was going to be a grandmother!  Merissa’s Uncle Wayne, an avid commercial fisherman, was also elated to have a little niece. He delighted to play with and tease her, and loved her to pieces; but on the May long weekend of 1995, Aline, Roger, Elaine and Merissa lost part of their hearts when Wayne died in a tragic motor vehicle accident; a gentle soul whose precious life was taken far too soon.

In Aline’s twilight years, she and Roger retired to the beautiful, quaint community of Qualicum Beach. They spent many winters as snowbirds in Arizona and Mexico, growing yet another extended family of friends, with whom they enjoyed reconnecting year after year. Aline also found it entertaining to make the occasional visit to a nearby casino, where she was known to win a Big Jackpot or two trying her luck at the slot machines!

Of several memorable vacations that Aline and Roger organized, they particularly enjoyed a glorious Alaskan cruise that they embarked upon with friends and family (including members of their original wedding party) to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

One of Aline’s very last wishes, whilst she was still feeling just strong enough, was to visit her granddaughter on her hobby farm in Montana, which she achieved; and Merissa was able to return to celebrate her grandparents’ 65th wedding anniversary, though by then Aline was too unwell to manage the planned cruise. 

Aline lived a full and beautiful life, and encouraged her family and friends to do the same.  One of her characteristic expressions, typically combining her love of life and people, with her natural wisdom, was,

“Go and have fun while you can!”

~  

Aline is predeceased by her parents, Gertrude and Harry; her brothers, Allan, Paul,

Leo, Eddie, and Gilles; her sisters, Alice (Mickalko), Laurette (Parenteau), Claire (Fischer), and Evette (McCoombs); and her son, Wayne.

She leaves behind Roger, her loving husband of 65 years; her devoted daughter, Elaine

(Mike Conrad); her granddaughter, Merissa (Nicholas Rossi); and her stepson, Adam Conrad.  She will also be fondly remembered and greatly missed by many nieces and nephews, as well as friends from near and far.

Aline was cremated at her own request. A Celebration in honour of her Life will take place in the Spring of 2024. 

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