Michael Fortney

Michael Richard Fortney was born February 9, 1947, in Harrisburg, PA. Mike was a very active young man involved in many sports. He graduated from Penn State with a degree in Accounting and went on to have a career in Finance. Mike remained a lifelong proud Nittany Lion. He also served in the Army National Guard. Mike married Rebecca and had two sons, Matt and Marc. Mike’s job brought them to Colorado in 1976 where he not only advanced his career, but became very involved in running, racquetball, and hiking. Mike ran the Bolder Boulder and other half marathons. Later in life in 1993, Mike met and married the love of his life, Karen, and welcomed Karen’s three children, Ashley, Caleb, and Beau, to his life. Mike and Karen shared a love of travel – specifically cruising and had many wonderful trips and saw much of the world with close friends and family. Mike never met a cruise he would not go on. Mike went kicking and screaming to Houston for Karen to pursue her career. They spent 11 fabulous years enjoying the Texas climate, proximity to cruise ports, and wonderful friends. They entertained all the family from Colorado there and loved showing their new-found adventures in Texas – fried pickles, breweries, and “church” on Sunday at the winery. Mike retired in 2014 and began his second career as a pool boy, dog sitter, gardener, chauffeur, and chef. He also found a new hobby – golfing!! He had a great friend that taught him how to golf and enjoy the Texas beauty on the course. He also began walking daily and consequently knew all the neighbors. Mike loved Costco, Traeger Grills, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. He was on a first name basis with all the Costco employees. Karen often joked with them and said they saw him more than she did. He also probably sold more Traegers than the Traeger sales team and filled more cruise ships than travel agents. Mike always had a booming voice, a cooler full of cold waters waiting for you in his car, and a plan in place for a good time. Mike had a very competitive, fighting spirit that became even more evident in his battle with cancer. Mike and Karen came to Denver for the holidays to be with their children for the first Christmas in 11 years. Their ultimate plan was to move back to Denver permanently in late Summer of 2018 – this all changed with the devastating diagnosis on December 1st. Mike remained very positive and relentless in his will to live until all medical options failed him. Mike passed away on April 8th in Colorado with Karen and children by his side. He was so loved by all that knew him and was humbled by the outpouring of support and love that came his way during his hard-fought battle. Mike was a very loving husband, father, and friend. He is survived by his loving wife Karen, his sons Matt (Jill), Marc (Andrea), Caleb, Beau (Megan) and daughter Ashley. Grandsons Gavin, Wyatt, Dakota and Skylar. Sister Carole (Richard), mother-in-law Marjorie, extended family, and very dear friends. Mike is preceded in death by parents Roy and Carolyn Fortney and brother Christopher. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the American Cancer Society in Mike’s name. Please visit his memorial tribute page here http://main.acsevents.org/goto/TeamIronMikeFortney