It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Joseph Henry Eugene “Budgie” Fortin, late of Prince Albert, SK on March 15^th, 2023, at the age of 73 years. Joe was a husband, father, brother, uncle, & grandpa.

Joe was born in The Pas, MB on April 10^th, 1949, to Joseph and Alma Fortin, then moved to Lynn Lake, where he learned to fish, hunt, and trap. While at Lynn Lake Joe met his lifelong pal and brother Dennis Morrisette. After that, his roads led him to The Pas where he met Lorraine and together, they had two sons. He worked as a carpenter and worked at the Manfor Sawmill. Joe also had a short stint as an appliance repair guy. Lorraine and Joe put the boys in hockey and threw his name into the hat for coaching. All the players really loved coach “Budgie” and it truly was a great time. There were many camping and fishing trips during this time, often the boat got full of the various friends that Bobby and Dennis would bring along.

Joe then moved out to Prince Albert, La Ronge, Brooks, Edmonton, Lac La Biche. A million stories can be told about those times. His sons came to live with him in Brooks, AB, and worked in the oilfields, gaining good experience and many good times. Joe moved to Prince Albert and met Jenny. They lived there together for a few years, then moved to Lac Du Bonnet, MB to be closer to his grandkids. It’s there he watched them play hockey and become young adults. Joe and Jenny then moved back to Prince Albert so Jenny could watch her grandkids grow up.

Joe was the type of person you could talk to for hours. He had so many experiences and was funny. He liked to sing songs, tell jokes and stories about all sorts of experiences that we all had. He was full of wisdom as well; He had a few one-liners that were always so true. He was not your average Grandpa, and nobody would have wanted that to be any different.

Joe will be lovingly remembered by his common-law wife of 15 years Jenny, Jenny’s daughters Tracy (Kurtis) and Jaylynn (Darryl); Jenny’s grandchildren Logan, Jacob, Jamie, Parker, and Addy; his two sons Bobby (Cindy) and Dennis (Tracy); his grandkids Derrick, Monique, Krista, Carmen, Dylan, Lexi, Dre; his great-grandchild Theo; his sisters Alice, Paulette, Rose; his brother Dennis Morrisette; as well as many friends, and kids he coached in hockey.

Joe goes to join the family that passed before him; his grandparents Charlie (Elizabeth) Rall, & Alma, and Joseph; his brothers Roland (Mitch), Raymond, Ernie; and his sisters Milly, Irene, and Gail.

There will be a Funeral Service at Mackenzie Funeral Home in Prince Albert, SK on March 25^th, 2023, at 10:30 AM and a Celebration of Life will be held in The Pas, MB in June 2023. Condolences can be sent to the family on our website at www.mackenziechapel.ca.  Arrangements in care of MacKenzie Chapel & Crematorium.  Brian & Bev Stobbs, Mark Gyoerick – Mel Curle. 306.763.8488.

• Date : 2023-03-15
• Location : Prince Albert, SK