Harold Fortier

Harold Leonard Fortier, born August 25, 1929, passed away October 18, 2022, after a short battle with lung cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, brother, and his wife, whom he often referred to as “the cutest girl at the dance”. He leaves behind his three children and their spouses, thirteen grandchildren and their spouses, twelve great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, several nieces and nephews - all of whom he loved dearly. Hal was born in Detroit, Michigan, and moved to Grand Rapids when he was five years old. He started his lengthy career in the U.S. Army when he was in high school, entering active military duty when he was 17 years old. He remained in the Army Reserves for twenty-five years and received his final discharge papers in 1993. He would go on to work in the electronics and mechanical engineering fields. Eventually, he would own several related businesses and finally settled into the plastic bag manufacturing business where he stayed until he retired at the ripe old age of 88. He loved to play golf, work on cars, and doing projects around the house. He loved traveling and visited many countries including Scotland, England, Ireland, Austria, Germany and Italy. His biggest passion was big band music and dancing with his lovely wife of 70 years. He deeply loved his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all the amazing dogs he had in his life. Hal’s family would like to thank his dear hospice team, Jessica and Troy, who were so loving, caring, and dedicated to his comfort. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Spectrum Health Hospice, a hospice organization of your choice, or an animal rescue organization. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 29, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. The burial will take place at Fairplains Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Saturday from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.