Douglas Ray Fortner
February 12, 1942 – July 1, 2024
On the afternoon of July 1, 2024, we said good-bye to a wonderful son, husband, father and grandfather. With family by his side Ray passed away peacefully at Lake of the Woods District Hospital.
Ray is survived by his wife Loretta, his sons Jeff and David, daughter in laws Ainsley and Shauna, his grandchildren Olivia, Georgia, Wyatt and Kayla. He is also survived by his sister Loraine, niece Dawn Renee and her daughters Peyton and Brooklyn.
Ray was born to Gifford and Lela Fortner on February 12, 1942 in the small town of Englehart, ON, but spent most of his youth in what he always referred to as his hometown, Wiarton, ON.
As many young men, Ray spent his youth fishing, hunting and exploring the Georgian Bay area. It was here that he developed his love and appreciation for the outdoors. This passion would eventually lead him to a career in resource management with the MNR. Ray attended the Ontario Forest Ranger College as a young man which opened the door to a long successful career in the field. After several stops along the way it was 1979 when Ray brought his family to Kenora. It was here that Ray was assigned the Deputy Regional Director of the Northwest Region. Ray loved his work and remained 16 years with the MNR in Kenora and Thunder Bay before retirement in 1995. He ended a career he loved with many valued and lasting relationships he maintained throughout his life.
In retirement, Ray dedicated much of his time to family but also knew he would need a hobby. Eventually he decided to share his love of nature through the lens of a camera. Ray always had a passion for photography and quickly developed his skills. Throughout retirement, this hobby called him across much of Canada and parts of the US capturing images of wildlife and nature for him to share. Ray did several trips exploring the north shore of Lake Superior with Loretta, documenting its history and capturing the breathtaking beauty of the area. Of course, he managed to add a few guided brook trout fishing adventures along the way. The result was a beautiful hardcover that Ray produced himself and shared with family and friends.
Adventures aside, nothing was more important to Ray than family and friends. Especially his grandchildren who he loved to spend time with. Whether it was a canoe adventure on Pelican Pouch, a birthday of graduation. Ray would never miss an opportunity to be part of the journey.
All who knew Ray will remember him for his inviting smile, openness, kindness and integrity. Ray could carry a conversation with the best of them and always held a genuine interest in what was shared.
He loved his family deeply and expressed it in the way he lived his life. Of course, warm hugs were often his go to.
Rest in Peace Ray.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024 from 2:00 – 5:00 pm at the Log Cabin Tavern.
In lieu of flowers or gifts please donate to the Alzheimer Society or the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation.