Leo Fortin

Lionel (Leo) J. Fortin was a kind and loving soul.  He had many talents and interests including playing music, racing radio control cars, caring for his home and yard and learning new skills on the computer. He lived his life always doing and learning until he passed away at the age of 92 on August 12, 2020 at his home in Hazelwood, MO after getting up from playing a computer game.  The previous day, he had mowed the lawn. His final moments were short and in the arms of his loving wife Marge.  What a beautiful blessing for both of them. 

Leo was born in New York, May 1, 1928 and raised in New Hampshire.  His love for music started in New Hampshire where he began playing bass guitar with friends.  Without any formal training, he became an accomplished bass player.  He had an outstanding ear and mind for music.  In the 70’s, he played with the Jim Pritchett band and later joined the RhythmAires in the 80’s playing at dance halls throughout the region.  He had a great love for jazz music and the Oscar Peterson Trio was his favorite modern jazz group.  Bassist Ray Brown was his idol.  He continued to play music well into his 80’s. 

When he wasn’t playing music, he was racing radio-controlled cars.  His hobby soon became a passion joining RC clubs and spending hours at the track with his racing buddies. 

Leo’s work career included working for the US Post Office as a mail carrier in Edwardsville, IL.  After his retirement from the postal service, he went to work for Lewis and Clark Community College as manager of campus postal services.  At LCCC, he made many forever friends.

In addition to his wife Marge of 15 years, Leo is also survived by one son, Glenn and his wife Sandy of California and two grandsons Eric and Adam.  He also survived by stepchildren Kathryn, Vicki, David and Michael (Marie) Kingsbury, Dawn (Keith) Steyer, Leta Cline, Brad Halford and Randy Halford and several step-grandchildren.  Friends and family were important to him and he never hesitated to show his care, concern and gratitude for others.

At his request, his body was donated to science.  Due to Covid-19 restrictions, there will not be a memorial service.  Memorials can be made in his memory to the Lewis and Clark Community College Foundation via check, PayPal or major credit/debit card.  Please send checks to:  Lewis and Clark Community College Foundation, 5800 Godfrey Road, Godfrey, IL 62035.  Pease write “In memory of Leo Fortin” in the subject line.  PayPal is available at www.lc.edu/foundation, click “Donate to the Foundation” and add the special instruction “in memory of Leo Fortin”.  To pay with a credit/debit card call Alexandria Ruiz at 618-468-2011.  For questions, email Alexandria at aruiz@lc.edu.