“He certainly went the full 15 rounds”
William “Bill” James Fortin, passed away on January 25th, 2017 in his 98th year.

Bill served in the RCAF during WWII as an Aero Engine Mechanic and went overseas with the Canadian Spitfire Squadron. While doing his Aero Engine training in Brandon Manitoba, he did some boxing and developed a passion and deep knowledge of boxing. After working on the Alaskan Highway he took a job with INCO as foreman for the Town of Lively and then added the job of Fire Chief, establishing the Lively Volunteer Fire department in the early 50s. Bill was instrumental in building the Lively Legion hall and served as President several times, he recently received his 60 years pin from the Royal Canadian Legion. Retired in 1983, Bill had a long and full retirement living in Mississauga, Fergus, Niagara Falls, Elliot Lake and returned to Lively for his final years. He loved his visits to the Casinos and often regaled everyone about his winnings. He enjoyed his car and was happy to be able to drive it up to a few months before his death. He was always a talented singer and if you knew him you probably heard him sing "Danny Boy". He enjoyed a joke and had a booming laugh and an easy smile. He was the boss and he did not hesitate to let you know it but those who worked for him and those who knew him were proud to be a friend. He was well known and liked in the community, he had a wonderful attitude which many people found inspiring. He will be fondly remembered by many in the town of Lively. He would want us to move on quickly and just remember the good times. Bill is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth (David) Bass, Marlene Cunning, and Martha (Tom) Baker and sons Shane and Edward (Susan). Predeceased by son Norman and his three wives: Violet (nee James), Pauline (nee Poulin) and Mary Ann (nee Bray). He will be dearly missed by his 10 Grandchildren, 8 Great grandchildren, 2 Great Great grandchildren and many nephews and nieces. Survived by brothers Jack (Vancouver) and Larry (Peterborough).

A special thank you to the dedicated staff at Health Sciences North and special thanks to Aunt Beth (Fortin) and her family who watched over him for the last several years. A memorial service will be held at the Meadowbrook Retirement Village. Date and Time to be arranged. Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the Jackson and Barnard Funeral Home, Sudbury.