Edward J. Fortin

Edward Ed John Fortin, 81, Moorhead, passed away May 13, 2013. Ed was born Sept. 25, 1931 to Wilbert and Melenia Fortin of Devils Lake, ND, the fifth of seven children. He graduated from Devils Lake High School, where he played football, basketball, baseball and won a ND state championship in the 440-yard dash. After beginning his college years, Ed took leave to serve in the US Army from 1951-53. On Dec. 15, 1951, Ed married Betty Lindstrom, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fargo, a union that flourished for 61 years. After earning a degree from NDSU in 1956, Ed taught and coached at Graceville MN High School from 1956-59. He then accepted a position teaching physical education in Moorhead until he retired in1987. During this time Ed coached football, basketball and track through each school year. He also taught drivers’ training during the summer months. Ed received his master’s degree in Education from Moorhead State College in 1962. He was awarded a Fulbright teaching exchange and spent the 1962-63 school year in Needham Market, England along with Betty and their growing family of five children. In 1987 Ed took another overseas teaching and coaching assignment for a year at the US Air Base in Hahn, Germany.
Ed loved camping, the outdoors and adventures in general. Two of his favorite destinations were the Falcon Lake, Manitoba campground and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Minnesota. He inspired many along life’s journey through his teaching, on athletic fields and courts, as well as on outdoor adventures. His impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.
He is survived by his beloved wife Betty and their seven children; Floyd John Kim Fortin, Rogers MN; Catherine Mike Schwartz, Fergus Falls, MN; Stephen Jennifer Fortin, Darien, IL; Barbara Fortin David Ernat Chico, CA; James Sara Fortin, Coon Rapids, MN; Thomas Fortin Harris Bostic, San Francisco, CA; David Fortin Carmel Froemke Dilworth, MN; sixteen grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Doris Larry Brookman, Denver, CO; and sisters-in-law Regina Fortin, Grand Forks, ND; and Beverly Fortin, Upland, CA. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Marie Stapleton and Lillian Ball, and brothers Floyd, Henry and Richard.
Visitation: Wednesday, May 15, 2013, from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M., with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M., in Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead.
Funeral: Thursday, May 16, 2013, at 11:00 A.M., in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Moorhead, MN.
Interment: St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Moorhead, MN.