Gary Michael Fortier

On December 25, 2025, Gary Michael Fortier, 70, passed away peacefully at his home in Yakima, Washington. While the world celebrated the holiday, Gary’s family said goodbye to a brother, a father, and a grandfather. Though he was a man of great strength and discipline, he was a "big teddy bear" to all who knew him, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and laughter.

Gary was a force of nature from the start. A legendary athlete in his youth, he left a lasting footprint on his high school’s record books in track, football, and wrestling. Though years passed, Gary never lost his competitive fire—he simply passed it on. Nothing brought a brighter light to his eyes than watching his children and grandchildren follow in his footsteps. One moment that will forever be engraved in his heart was when his granddaughter fought her way to the State wrestling podium, Gary was there with a grin that spanned a lifetime of pride and tears of pure, unfiltered joy.

A man of deep duty and discipline, Gary enlisted in the U.S. Army during his senior year of high school. After two years of service in Germany, he returned to the Yakima Valley to claim the heart of his middle school sweetheart and the great love of his life, Sherry. Gary went on to dedicate 20 years to the U.S. Army and Army Reserves; as a Drill Sergeant, he shaped the lives of many, retiring with the honor of a full 20-year letter.

Gary was a man of many layers—a martial artist who held two black belts, he moved with a grace and mastery that only years of dedication could produce. He loved sharing his skills with family, always with a playful spirit that made his strength feel like a warm embrace. At the local horse racing arena, he was a teacher and a guide, showing his children not just how to "learn the ropes," but how to care for a living soul with patience and respect.

In his later years, Gary found his peace back on a Harley-Davidson as he once did before. With the wind in his face and the open road ahead, he found what he called his "true therapy." Many of his happiest hours were spent riding through the scenery of the Pacific Northwest with Sherry by his side, their road often leading them to a favorite casino for an evening of laughter and luck.

Gary is now reunited with his beloved Sherry and his parents, Stanley Fortier and Barbara Egan. His legacy of strength, discipline, and deep-seated love lives on through his brother, Randy Fortier; his sister, Julie (Don) Ayres; his children, Nancy Lynne, Sherman Fortier, and Stephanie (Pete) Herrera; and the six grandchildren who he loved dearly.

Gary lived life with the throttle wide open. He will be deeply missed, but his story will be told every time the engines roar or a young athlete steps onto the mat. A celabration of Gary’s life will be held on Friday January 30, 2026 at 2:00 at Langevin El Paraiso Funeral Home. To leave a memory for the family please visit Langevin El Paraiso web site.