Patrick "Rick" Fortenberry

Patrick “Rick” Fortenberry was born on August 12, 1956 in Corvallis, Oregon to Richard and Patricia (Hilton) Fortenberry. He attended school in Cottage Grove and as a youth Rick was into cars and learned mechanical work from his father who owned a race car. He would take these skills later in life and became a “jack of all trades” when it came to building or repairing anything. Eventually, he joined the Army National Guard where he was trained as a cook. He met his wife Pamela “Pam” May in 1976 and in August of that year they married. Together, they lived in Cottage Grove, Philomath, Corvallis and Ketchikan, Alaska. Alaska was one of Rick’s favorite places to be because his best days were spent outdoors hunting and fishing. For the last 37 years he and Pam have lived in the Corvallis/Albany area. One of his favorite places to go hunting in Oregon was in the Kings Valley area. Besides being a true outdoorsman who camped, fished and hunted, Rick enjoyed attending the rodeo and watching bull riding where he would also work security. One of his favorite movie characters of all time was John Wayne, which made sense considering he loved the rodeos so much. He also bowled, played pool and darts. But most of all Rick loved his family and his grandchildren. He was known as “Santa Papa” after his 3 year old granddaughter saw him wearing a Santa hat she became convinced he was jolly old St. Nick. Which Rick really got a kick out of and that brought a lot of joy to his life as a grandfather. He loved to facetime with his grandchildren and talk to them on the phone, taking every opportunity to catch up even until the last day of his life. The last 6 years Rick’s life was plagued with several health issues, but through it all he always remained young at heart and optimistic. He loved to joke and tease his family and friends. But what Rick will be remembered for the most is the fact that he would give anyone the shirt off his back and try to help anyone who needed it. He was generous, kind and thoughtful. The world lost this gentle spirit on April 7, 2019 in Albany, Oregon. He was preceded in death by his parents and youngest brother Roy. He is survived by his wife Pam; children, Rebel Fortenberry, James and Emily Fortenberry and Dusty Reese; grandchildren, Justin and Jordyn and a brother, Robin. A celebration of life will be held sometime in June. Please leave online condolences at weddle-funeral.com