John Wade Fortner

John Wade Fortner was born to Dr. Wade and Elsie Fortner on Dec. 20, 1923, in Princeton Wis.

John passed away at Columbia Crest Care Center in Moses Lake on Oct. 16, 2009

In 1935, they moved to Corvallis OR. John graduated from Corvallis High School in 1941. He then served in the US Air Force during World War II. After returning home, he attended Oregon State University. John went to work for the Bureau of Mines in Albany OR. There, John became interested in precious metals, and in 1962, went to work for Wah Chang, where they made zirconium and titanium sponge.

John was hardworking and passionate about what he did. This included a love for bird hunting, fishing and playing cribbage.

At one time, John was a commerical salmon fisherman on the Oregon Coast, based out of Winchester Bay. In the late 1960’s, he sold his boat Destiny. His focus was then on his love of bird hunting. John was an excellent shot, and started competing in trapshooting at various clubs across Oregon. With his dedication to the sport, he became president of the Albany Gun Club for a time. He was a Lifetime Member of the NRA. He was very passionate with the 2nd Ammendment.

In 1982, John moved to Moses Lake, to work with his good friend Steve Yih in opening  the International Titaniuim Plant. When the plant closed in 1988, John was able to devote more time to doing the things he loved, including spending winters in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; bird and varmint hunting trips to Argentina, Montana, Wyoming and Oregon; and lots of fishing. John’s generosity was well known by the professionals at the Dental Clinic in Puerto Vallarta, as he helped numerous local children get much needed dental care.

John lived life to the fullest and pushed everything he did to the limit. Few people had as much fun as John. John is survived by two children, Jack and wife Gretchen, of Corvallis, and Debbie and her husband Tim Hunter, of Reno Nev.; as well as five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. John will be greatly missed by his many close friends who loved him. Thanks to Dr. Graham and his staff and all the girls and at Columbia Crest.