Jacob “Jake” Fortier

December 4, 1975 ~
April 17, 2021

Jacob “Jake” Fortier, age 45, of Grand Rapids, was called to his heavenly home unexpectedly on Saturday, April 17, 2021 following a motorcycle accident on Friday evening. He will be lovingly remembered by his son, Benjamin; fiance, Alysia Gill; parents, Mike and Kathy Fortier; brothers, David and Rae Fortier, Joe and Ashley Fortier; sisters, Desiree and Mark Zoet, Melanie and Colby Erle; nieces and nephews, Halle, Natalie, Matthew, Delaney, Camren, Easton, Emerson, Scarlett, Estelle; many, many aunts, uncles, dear cousins and friends. Jake was a free spirit who worked and played hard. His hard work allowed him to become project manager for Moss Communication who along with the owner, Mark Kimball, became his work family. He loved the outdoors, camping, fishing and hunting. Jake’s family, nieces, nephews and cousins were extremely important to him and he would do just about anything for them. One of Jake’s greatest pleasures was riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. He developed many friendships from Florida to the UP of Michigan while riding his motorcycle with the “recovery community”. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 224 Carrier NE, Grand Rapids, with Rev. Tom Page, celebrant. Relatives and friends may meet the family Thursday from 10 - 11 am at church. Live streaming of the service can be viewed at the St. Alphonsus Parish website, and a recording of the service can be found at www.mkdfuneralhome.com by clicking the “Live Streams and Recordings” link at the top right corner of the page. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions to North Alano Club.

Visitation: Thursday, April 22 | 10:00am - 11:00am

Visitation
Thursday, April 22
10:00am - 11:00am

St. Alphonsus Catholic Church
224 Carrier NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Get Directions

Mass of Christian Burial: Thursday, April 22 | 11:00am

Mass of Christian Burial
Thursday, April 22
11:00am

St. Alphonsus Catholic Church
224 Carrier NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Get Directions

Leave Your Tribute Message

April 04, 2025

Almost 4 years later and I still cannot believe you are gone. I will forever hold you in my heart and never forget all the good times we had. Love you Fortier!

- Victor Alverio

March 13, 2024

dont think i forgot you

- Easton

March 12, 2024

i love you you are so loved i miss you so much

- Easton

April 29, 2021

Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories. Holding your family in the light and praying for comfort and peace.

- Sandy Russo

April 23, 2021

We were so sorry to hear about the loss of your son. The amount of people who came to his funeral is tribute that he was loved and respected -as are both of you. May God give you the strength you need in the times ahead. Love Lynn and Tom

- Lynn Olree/Tom Littin

April 23, 2021

I am sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Jenny & Devin Schroder

- Jenny Schroder

April 22, 2021

Aunt Kathy, Uncle Mike, and all my family down there in Michigan. I'm so sorry for you loss. Jake was a great guy. Although I may not have seen you all in many years, one thing I remember about him is that he was a welcoming person. Any time I came to a family gathering he always made an effort to come up and say hello and ask how I was doing. I really appreciated that gesture of kindness. You are all in our prayers up here in Alaska. Love, Crystal and Family

- Crystal F Larabel-Vogel

April 22, 2021

Prayers and sympathy to the Fortier family. I taught Jacob as well as his brothers and sisters at St. Jude School and have many wonderful memories of his family. I am sure that he will be missed. God bless the Fortier family.c

- Mariae K. Firlit

April 22, 2021

I had the pleasure of working with Jake during my tenure at Spectrum Health United and Kelsey. He was always such a sincere, caring, light through the halls. My sincerest of condolences for everyone that loves him.

- Dína Aper

April 22, 2021

I didn't see Jake a whole lot the last few years, but the couple times a year we ran into each other I always enjoyed catching up and hearing what he had going on. I've had a heavy heart since hearing this news on Saturday. Jake was an all around good guy that always brought a smile to my face. He will truly be missed. Thoughts are with his family. Rest in Peace, Jake...

- Don Pierce

April 22, 2021

Today, I hope you are able to take with you how loved Jake was by so many. I graduated HS with Jake and went to St Jude with your family. Some of my fondest memories of Jake and Dave are of Sunday mornings gathering together for many so years. We kept in contact over the years and he was always so connected, keeping in touch & keeping tabs on everyone. He was one of those threads that holds everyone together. I am sorry for your loss, our loss. I hope it may be a comfort that he rode off into the sunset with love in his heart.

- Kim Conway Crawford

April 22, 2021

It is very sad that we lost a great guy. I have only knew him for 8 years but, in that time I am glad I got to know him. He showed me how to do things at Moss and he toke the time to educate me. I will miss him. RIP Jake!

- Bob Boyd

April 22, 2021

I didnt know Jake well but know through my son Brian what a great friend and person Jake was... Our sympathy and prayers are with Jakes family and many friends.

- Mike Major Shirley Ward Major

April 22, 2021

Lifting up the Fortier family along with every single person touched by such an incredible son, father, brother and friend. Rest in peace Jake. Praying for peace and strength. I love all of you dearly and am with you today.

- Lori

April 22, 2021

Man Jake I just seen you at meijers😔 its to soon brother you were one of my first friends in life. We would have so much fun at St Judes when we went there as kids. Life is jus to short. You will be truly missed bro rest in greatness 🙏🏽❤

- Nathan Franklin

April 22, 2021

You will be truly missed by everyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting you. A little piece of everyone who knew you died that day. RIP Jake hope you get to keep that smirk !!! Thanks for all the laughs and good times.

- Lenny Mennega

April 21, 2021

It’s been years since I have seen Jake but never less was heartbroken to hear of his passing. He was definitely one of the good ones. I remember him having a heart of gold, his straight forwardness, no bs approach to life always led to great conversations. I loved his sense of humor and he loved his family deeply. May his memory be eternal.

- Mary Jo (Gillis) Tsimboukis

April 21, 2021

You've been like a brother to me, Jake. I don't have the words for how much I am going to miss you. Thank you for being such an incredible friend.

- Jason Dressler

April 21, 2021

My thoughts and prayers are with all who loved Jake and are feeling this loss so deeply. Peace and comfort to you all. Lori P

- Lori Pospiech

April 21, 2021

My condolences to the entire Fortier family. Jake was such a great person and very special to me and my family. When ever I saw him he never had to say a word as that smile said it all! I hope the love being shared by so many will some how help ease your pain.

- Jean Thon

April 21, 2021

I'm heartbroken because of your loss. The reoccurring thoughts I have heard or read in the past week are thatJake either talked or texted or got a hold of people he hadn't heard from recently. He was in a good place. I am praying for you and your family.

- Deborah Martin (Westveld)

April 21, 2021

My Heart is Heavy with sadness with the Huge Loss of Jake, and my Heart goes out to His Son Benny and all of His Family Members and Friends. To me Jake was like my Younger BIG Brother, ( the BEST ) and deeply missed. Soo very sorry for your Loss And my Thoughts and Prayers of comfort and peace are with you all.

- Mary Sue Pelak

April 20, 2021

I am so glad i was able to "catch up " with Jake not long ago. It was good to see him doing so well. I am praying for the entire family at this time. I will miss Jake. Lisa Veenstra

- Lisa Veenstra

April 20, 2021

Jake was my neighbor and pretty close friends with my two son's, Travis and Trevor, who went to Northview with Jake. Jake was a jewel. He would burn up Woodworth hill on his motorcycle and if I was standing in my driveway or on the lawn, he would raise his arm mimicking a Nazi salute and yell at me, "Hey G", and then continue flying up the road. He loved that bike.That scene, Jake giving me a shout, always made me smile (and shake my head). Of course everyone from his Northview class remembers the Senior Graduation Party at the high school when Jake showed up in a cowboy hat and sang Garth Brooks song "Friends in Low Places". I still laugh at that memory from 25 years ago. That scene is still one of the funniest things I have ever seen in my life. Jake, the neighborhood and your friends and classmates miss you. You were unique. God Bless!

- George Chalmers

April 20, 2021

I will always remember, you had this ability to sense when someone is feeling awkward or out of place in a group and instantly make them feel accepted and be accepted. If you knew Jake, you knew everybody. Seen it so many times, myself included. Thank you Jake. Rest in Peace Buddy!!

- Todd Tovey

April 19, 2021

Kathy, our thoughts and prayers are with you from all of us in the Wednesday Sewing Workshop. So sorry for your loss. Debbie Schaap

- Debbie Schaap

April 19, 2021

This brings so much sadness to my heart.. I'm going to miss running into everywhere or you just driving by my house and waving..please hug Kenny for me!! You'll be so missed, sending love and prayers to the family as well as finding strength!!!

- Karen Dalstra

April 19, 2021

Kathy, our thoughts and prayers are with you from all of us in the Wednesday Sewing Workshop. So sorry for your loss. Debbie Schaap

- Debbie Schaap

April 19, 2021

Kathy, our thoughts and prayers from all of us from the Gall Wednesdsy Sewing Workshop are with you. So sorry for your loss. Debbie Schaap

- Debbie Schaap

April 19, 2021

Sometimes in life there are moments when words are not able to express or capture the true essence of what we hold in our hearts. For me, this is one of those moments. I cannot begin to tell you how sorry I am to hear about Jake's passing. I wish there was something I could say that would take away the pain and sadness you are feeling right now. Please know you are not alone. Jake was loved by so many and will be terribly missed. The years I shared with both Jake and Benny have played a significant role in who I am today. I am thankful for those memories and grateful Jake chose me to be part of his and Benny's family. I am honored to have known him and proud of the impact he has had on my life. I pray you are able to find peace and comfort knowing that Jake lives on in all of us. Sending you all my love, prayers, and support today and always. ❤ RIP Jake ❤ Love you all, Tara (Brown) Fortier

- Tara Fortier

April 19, 2021

We became friends at 18 during a minor setback in both our lives. You were a good friend, caring, loving, and very honest guy. You’d give the socks off your feet to those in need. Were there ever a guy who I could trust with my own life it would have been you. You’ll never be forgotten this way my guy.

- Orlanda Gibbs

April 19, 2021

Gone too soon! Jake touched so many lives and helped me in my own sobriety. I will miss his laugh, smile and general way about him. Great guy!

- Jason Denyes

April 19, 2021

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this point in time. Jake was a kind and caring man. He will be greatly missed. Phil and Beth

- Beth and Phil Scarbrough

April 19, 2021

My sincere condolences to the Fortier family. I had the privilege of being Jake’s teacher over 35 years ago. He made such a positive impact on my career. Each day he came to class with a big heart, big personality, and a lot of talent. God Bless your family at this time. ~ Brett Scheidel

- Brett Scheidel

April 19, 2021

Jake you were a great guy..you will me missed by all that knew you! Sending thoughts and prayers to your family!

- Heather Earles

April 19, 2021

Jake thank you for always being my friend from our first day at St.Jude till our last day at Northview thank you for everthing.

- Ben Vredevelt

April 19, 2021

Jake was larger than life, and made his presence known. But he also could be the softest, and most understanding person in the world. He helped me in this life more than I could have ever expressed to him. All of my energy and thoughts are with the family and many, many friends he had. See you on the other side, bud.

- Aaron Petersen

April 19, 2021

Our hearts are broken for your family. Chris and I have the utmost respect for Jake and the hard work, devotion, and love he showed as a father. We are glad that your family will be able to hold tightly to each other as you move through the loss. I will pray that God gives each of you peace. Susan, Chris, Sydra, Mack

- Susan Timmer

April 19, 2021

Man this hit me hard. Been thinking about you all weekend. All the good times we had together in this crazy life. You were such a strong and giving person. The changes and challenges you overcame in your life will always be inspiring to me. I have you, Benny, Dave, Joe and your whole family in my thoughts and prayers. You will be truly missed and forever remembered as a great friend. So glad to have known you. Rest in peace brother.

- Victor Alverio

April 19, 2021

Jake was such a genuine person. He was a big part of our family and will be missed greatly. Truly sorry for your loss 💔

- Kari Hall (Merdzinski)

April 19, 2021

Mike, Kathy, Ben, Fortier Family. So very sorry for your loss, our hearts are heavy for you. Praying for peace and comfort , during this time grief

- Mark House

April 19, 2021

Mike, Kathy & Family. Sorry to hear about your loss. We will be thinking of you.

- Al & Gayle Peterson

April 19, 2021

Mike and Kathy and all Jake’s friends and family. So sorry for this terrible loss. Jake was a fun and unique guy and will be sorely missed. His heart was full of life. Traci and I offer our deepest condolences at this difficult time. Prayers for you all.

- Jeff Lark

April 19, 2021

Mike,Kathy and family members I am so sorry for your loss of this fine young man .My prayers are with you

- Mike gillen

April 18, 2021

Mike, Kathy, Ben and Family, Words cannot express how deeply sorry I am for your loss. Sending you my thoughts and prayers.

- Marsha Martinez

April 18, 2021

Mike, Kathy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Having lost my daughter last December, I know exactly what you are going through. The pain will ease some with time. Remember that your friends and relatives are with you to support you and that God will get you through this. My deepest sympathy to you all.

- Russ Andre

April 18, 2021

Mike, Kathy and Family - Words cannot describe the loss you are feeling! May God hold you and your family in His hands, guiding you to peace and comfort. Thoughts and prayers are with you, friends!

- Fred and Mary Gavin

April 18, 2021

Jake, I know Dwain is so happy to see you again. I love you both. Till we meet again...

- Amy Schott

April 18, 2021

So very sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts at this time. Don and Monica Kimball

- Don and Monica Kimball