Brian William Fortier

Brian William Fortier of Warner, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2026 at the age of 72.

Brian started his life in Peace River, Alberta where he was raised with his 5 siblings by his mother. At the age of 19, he enrolled in the Army. After completing basic training Brian married the love of his life, Barbara,  with whom he spent nearly 52 years with. Despite facing all the challenges that life could bring, they went on to have 3 children and they settled down in Southern Alberta.

Brian was a man of many hats- as a red seal mechanic, he built an unwavering reputation for being able to fix anything and everything. He also worked in feedlots tending to cattle and processing crops, ran heavy equipment, and worked in shops. At the end of his career, he worked closely with his family in his son’s business.

Despite facing all sorts of adversity, Brian faced it all with quiet strength. He worked incredibly hard to provide for his family. He also prioritized helping anyone who needed it, from a stranger broken down on the side of the road to his closest friends and family. He did this without any second thought, and demanded nothing in return.

Outside of work and his family life, Brian often showcased his incredible skills for creating the most unique creations- including a longhorn steer head made from fencing nails and a miniature log cabin built from wooden shovel handles, which are proudly displayed at his home.

In retirement, Brian was most often found tinkering around his yard or garage, visiting with neighbours, drinking coffee or having an afternoon nap. Whenever they could, Brian and Barb would hit the lake to spend a day on their boat. He absolutely cherished his grandchildren, and was constantly showing everyone pictures or bragging about their most recent accomplishments.

Most of all, Brian was loved and admired by those who knew him.  He was memorable to everyone he came in contact with, as he always had some sort of little quip or smart ass joke to share, often to the dismay of his family members. His immense generosity through every small (and big) deed he did not only changed the lives of those around him, but genuinely made the world a better place.

Brian was predeceased by his mother, Lucienne Phillips, father Roger Fortier, Step Fathers Eddie Day and Jim Phillips and his brother, Don Fortier.

His legacy will be carried on by his wife Barbara, sons Darren and Bradley (Rosina), daughter Shayleen (Cody), grandchildren Lyam, Abigael, Arwin, Rory and Ellie and sisters Dian (Bob), Linda (Ken) and Edna (Kevin).

A drop-in celebration of life will be held on November 21, 2026 from 11am-4pm at the Warner Seniors Centre - 103 3 Ave, Warner. The family asks that if you can, you come with a memory or story of Brian to share.