David Christopher Fortin

David Fortin, a beloved son, brother, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on February 26, 2025, at the age of 65. Born on June 19, 1959, in Topeka, Kansas, he was the eldest child of Paul and Jane Fortin. From an early age, David’s sharp mind, striking blue eyes, and boundless energy and fancy footwork, left a lasting impression. He was admired for his spirited nature, his hard work ethic, adventurous soul, and unwavering loyalty to his family.

During his youth, David attended Catholic school, served as an altar boy. He shared a lot of stories about coping with the nuns. He was a Boy Scout and loved earning badges. He played baseball as a young boy. Early in his teen years and lasting his entire life, David had a deep passion for hard rock music, often filling the house with the sounds of Iron Butterfly (In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida), Jimi Hendrix, Def Leppard, Black Sabbath, Metallica, ACDC, and many others.

As the eldest of four siblings, David embraced the role of big brother—sometimes more than his siblings wanted when he put them in a headlock, or “in the box”. But he was a steady and strong presence.

His strong sense of duty led him to enlist in the United States Marine Corps, where he served for three years in Infantry and Weapons Repair. He was stationed at Camp Lejeune and Okinawa, Japan. Inspired by his father’s service in the U.S. Air Force, David proudly upheld the family tradition of military service—a legacy continued by his son, David, in the U.S. Army.

David’s youthful energy and humor could light up any room. He had a knack for making people laugh, especially children, and his infectious enthusiasm made him unforgettable. A lifelong martial arts enthusiast, David was highly skilled with nun chucks, throwing stars, and throwing knives. He was also a devoted fan of classic action films, favoring stars like Steven Seagal, Chuck Norris, Mel Gibson, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, Nicolas Cage, and many others.

With his rugged exterior and fearless attitude, David truly embodied the spirit of Mad Max, the Road Warrior—the kind of person you’d want by your side in a crisis. Known by many as “Rebel”, no one messed with David about anything.

David could eat multiple stacked plates of food at any buffet, to ensure he and everyone at the table got their money's worth. Yet David was always physically fit, and very strong, due to the manual labor and hard work he endured all his life. His mechanical skills and resourcefulness were unmatched; he was a MacGyver–there was nothing he couldn’t fix.

A lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, he owned several Harley-Davidson motorcycles and would never be caught on any bike but a hog, each a symbol of his free-spirited nature. You always know when he entered a room because you could hear the chain on his Harley-Davidson wallet clanging against his keys.

On the outside, he presented with a tough exterior but his soul possessed a surprising gentleness, evident in his beautifully meticulous cursive handwriting.

David had a rare and extraordinary gift for connecting with animals. Like a modern-day Dr. Dolittle, he had an uncanny ability to communicate with them, earning their trust and affection in remarkable ways. Throughout his life, he cared for numerous animals, and it seemed they were naturally drawn to his presence.

David was happiest when surrounded by nature. Some of his most cherished memories were formed at the cabin in Cascade, Colorado, where he loved to fish, hike, and visit “David’s Waterfall,” a spot with special meaning. He took great pride in helping his parents build their dream cabin, leaving behind a legacy of hard work. He also treasured his time in Alaska with his brother John, embracing the wilderness and the adventures it brought him and his brother. David’s love of the outdoors often brought him to the family farm in Centropolis, Kansas, where he enjoyed camping under the stars and helping his father with farm work.

Above all, David was the proud father of one daughter and two sons and a loving grandfather to 13 grandchildren. His generous heart ensured birthdays and holidays were always celebrated, and no matter where life took him, he always made his way home for special occasions. In the final years of his life, David dedicated himself to caring for his aging parents, showing them love and support until their passing. He and his mother, Jane Fortin, had a truly special relationship. He affectionately bantered with her and called her “Moo-ver’ or “Fiitjee” and catered to her urges for fast foods and “half price nights".

David’s resilience, humor, and unwavering dedication to his family and friends will never be forgotten. His legacy lives on through the strength of his loved ones, the stories shared by those who knew him, and countless memories.

He will be laid to rest with military honors at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery, in recognition of his dedicated service to his country. That event is anticipated to be scheduled in June of 2025 and updates to this posting will be provided with specific details.

Semper Fi, David. Ride free.