Templeton CA, January 19, 2007– Local resident Marcel Fortney suffered
a fatal heart attack at his Templeton home on Monday, January 15th.
Fortney, 49, had spent nearly 30 years working in the motorcycle
industry, beginning with his first job at Cycle Guide magazine. He was
most recently the U.S. agent for AGV, a prominent Italian helmet maker.
He also owned and operated several San Francisco Bay area motorcycle
dealerships.
“Calm, cool, and creative; that was Marcel,” said friend and business
associate Justyn Amstutz. “I just can’t believe he’s gone. Not only was
he a leader in our industry but those of us blessed enough to also know
him as a friend will miss him very much.”
In addition to his passion for motorcycles, Fortney will be remembered
as a great music lover, a devoted husband, and an avid supporter of his
daughter’s equestrian career.
Marcel lived in Ojai from 1998 through 2005. As the “Unofficial Mayor”
of Ojai, it was not uncommon to find Marcel at Ojai Coffee Roasters or
Bonnie Lu’s surrounded by friends. “I swear, he always had one eye on
the window. He could tell you who went by in the last ten minutes,
what car they were driving and what the mileage was on that car. He
knew everyone. Everyone. Today there’s a void running right through
the heart of town.”, said his long time friend and fellow resident,
Jeffrey Cox.
Marcel Fortney leaves his wife, Christie, and daughter Mackie, 14. A
private memorial service is scheduled for noon on Sunday, January 28th
in Ojai, CA and all of Marcel’s friends are welcome to attend. A
potluck meal will also take place for those who would like to
participate. For further details about the memorial please call
760-436-9937.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in behalf of Marcel’s daughter to:
The Mackie Memorial Fund
c/o Mid State Bank
1207 Maricopa Hwy, Ojai, CA 93023
For information regarding the fund contact Patti Michaels at 805-646-0111.
