FORTEMS, Melvin David

FORTEMS,Melvin David

15 December 1941 – 13 May 2022

It is with sadness and relief that we announce the passing of Melvin David Fortems on Friday, 13 May 2022 at the age of 80 years.  Melvin was born the 15 December 1941 in Calgary and spent his growing years in the Lyalta area on the family farm.  Upon completing his entire primary schooling in Strathmore, he attended the University of Alberta, Edmonton, in the faculty of engineering for one year before transferring to the Washington State University (WSU)  in Pullman, Washington.  Melvin graduated from WSU with B.Sc and a M.Sc degree in Police Science.  Because of subsequent developing health issues, he was  never able to fully utilize his training in the police services area and spent much of his later years as a security guard at the Calgary Herald and the University of Calgary.

Melvin was a good athlete and participated with the local Strathmore baseball and hockey teams and became an enthused fan of the Calgary Flames. 

He will be sorrowfully missed by his surviving brother and sister-in-law, Court and Ruth Fortems of Calgary, his two nieces, Lisa Thompson (Matt) and Laura Swainson (Spencer), also of Calgary, and their respective eight children as well as a number cousins and friends in the Strathmore area.  Melvin was predeceased by his parents, Lucien and Lillian Fortems of Lyalta and Dalemead.

A funeral service for Melvin will held on Friday, May 27, 2022 at Wheatland Funeral Chapel, (202 Lakeside Blvd, Strathmore), at 11:00 AM. To send condolences, please visit Melvin’s obituary at www.wheatlandfuneralhome.ca.