Jean Thomas Fortun

Jean Thomas (J.T.) Fortun passed away on December 1, 2012, surrounded by his wife and daughter. He was born on November 21, 1921 to Arthur and Ora Fortun. He graduated from Lyle High School in 1939. He joined the Army-Airforce during World War II and was stationed in England and France during the War. J.T. married Eleanor Andrews on November 1, 1946. In 1958 he joined Peoples Bank and moved to Washington State. He worked for Peoples Bank for 19 years, retiring in 1977 as a Branch Manager in Soap Lake, Washington. After retiring he helped Eleanor with her framing business (EM Fortun Frames) and volunteered many hours as a bailiff at the Grant County Courthouse. They lived in Ephrata for over 50 years before moving over to Kenmore, WA to be closer to their daughter. J.T. and Eleanor loved to travel. They managed to see most all of the 50 states over the years. Hawaii was one of their favorite vacation destinations and they returned there many times. There were also special memories of Cruises they took through the Panama Canal, Alaska and the Mexican Riviera. J.T. enjoyed all sports and spent many happy hours watching the Ehrata High School teams play basketball, baseball and football. He was also a big fan of the Mariners, Seahawks, Cougars, Huskies and Gonzaga teams. Another sports passion was golf. He enjoyed watching PGA and Senior Golf Tournaments. He was lucky enough to see some of the Tournaments in person in Palm Springs, Hawaii and Seattle over the years. The outdoors was also a big part of his life. He loved to fish, hunt and trap. He was never happier than standing in his waders and flyfishing at Dry Falls Lake or walking along a creek looking for animal tracks. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Eleanor; daughter Gail Fortun; sister and brothers-in-law Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Malins, Mrs. Emily Andrews, Mrs. Vi Andrews and many nieces and nephews. J.T. was preceded in death by his son James; his mother and father and his brother Max.