Ronald Charles Fortier, age 40, passed away on Monday, December 14, 2020.

After an extremely long labor, Ronald entered the world on Sunday, December 14, 1980 at 8:50pm, kind enough to hang out in his mother's womb long enough for his father to witness the "Miracle at the Met".  As a child and young man, Ron was bright, inquisitive, had genuine empathy for people and was fiercely protective of those he loved. His presence and kind soul are missed deeply by all to whom he touched during his lifetime.

Baptized and confirmed in the Roman Catholic Church, Ron was raised in Columbia Heights, MN, for the first 10 years of his life, until moving to New Hope, MN, in 1990. Ron was a good athlete, and played baseball in both cities. Honing his bat skills with repetitive whiffle ball practice in the back yard, by his mid-teen years he was a feared hitter and helped his team win a championship. He also played football, where as a linebacker Ron's agility, speed and determination made it a joy to watch him play, especially when he tackled the ball carrier. Hunting and fishing were introduced to him at a very young age, and he went on to develop a passion for both. Those activities suited him so well, and he enjoyed them all his life.

After graduation from high school, Ron began his career as a cook (and a good one at that) to support his family. In the intervening years, he attended vocational training to be an electrician and graduated from Summit Academy as a Pre-Apprentice Carpentry / Electrician in 2013, and worked in the Twin Cities until his move to Roy Lake, MN.

Ron took great pride in his Ojibwe heritage, most of which was taught to him by his grandfather, Ronald LaFriniere. He aimed to lead his life through those teachings and it was manifested by his generous nature (to a fault), and willingness to help others whenever he could. He has since passed those traditions on to his own children, with the hope that they won't be forgotten. Ron's BBQ skills were in a league of their own, and he fed many a hungry, and appreciative, crowd. When the maple sap ran in the spring, you could be sure he would find some way to get into the woods to collect it and boil down to make maple syrup.

Ron is survived by his children, son Nikowa, of Mahnomen, MN, daughter, Anavay, and son, Ronald Jr., both of New Hope, MN; parents, David and Kris Fortier of New Hope; siblings, sister- Elizabeth Preston (husband Byron Preston, son Braydon Preston, daughter Baylor Kate Preston), of Clarkesville, TN; brother, Jonathon Fortier, of Santa Monica, CA; and mother of his children, Terra Forshier, of New Hope. Also survived by multitudes of his other brothers and sisters, and close cousins too numerous to count.

Visitation was held for close family members on Friday, December 18, 2020 at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen. A Celebration of Life will be held on a date to be determined, with notices published in local newspapers and social media.

To honor Ronald's last request, please make any memorials on his behalf to People Without Parents https://peoplewithoutparents.com .

Please feel free to sign the guestbook, send condolences and view other opportunities which may be available to the public due to COVID-19 restrictions