August 17, 1988-May 13, 2026With heartbreaking and unimaginable pain, we said goodbye to our beautiful son, brother, and
daddy, Cory Michael Fortier in the early morning of Wednesday, May 13, 2026. Surrounded by
family, Cory was able to leave this world knowing he was deeply loved, cherished, and
supported until his very last moments. Though Cory faced a long and courageous battle with
addiction, his story is one of love, family, strength and the lasting impact he left on everyone
who was fortunate enough to know him.

Cory’s story began on August 17, 1988, when Mike and Lori were blessed with the arrival of
their firstborn son, Cory Michael Fortier. From the very beginning, Cory brought love, energy,
and a strong spirit into our lives. Later, he proudly welcomed his younger brother Trevor, and
sister Taylor into the family. He embraced his role as a big brother with excitement and love.

Growing up on Aster Place, Cory was such a happy child. We can still see him and his siblings
playing outside with the neighborhood kids from morning until night. Those summers were so
special spent with our extended family and friends, travelling in the tent trailer, swimming at
Cordeiro’s pool, and enjoying the peace of Surprise Lake at Camp York. As Cory grew, so did
his spirit for adventure. At 18, he moved to Kelowna, and though his time there was short, he
truly found himself outdoors. He shared with us his passion for the mountains at Big White and
Revelstoke, wakeboarding in Salmon Arm, and the thrill of BMX racing. That was also where he
began his hardworking career in roofing. Cory spent a year in Toronto, working for his Aunty
Michelle and Uncle Rob. When not at work, his time was spent also bonding with his Aunty
Laura, Uncle Brad and cousins.

From a young age, it was clear that Cory was naturally gifted in every sport he pursued. He
played hockey competitively throughout his life. Beyond hockey, Cory had a passion for
adventure and the outdoors, spending time mountain biking, snowboarding, and wakeboarding.
Of all the sports he loved, golf held a special place in his heart and became his greatest passion.
His talent and dedication to the game earned him the honor of qualifying and competing in the
Canadian Junior Golf Championships in 2007. Cory was very artistic and this showed in his
sense of style such as clothing, hats, jewelry, hair colour and styles. He was also an
accomplished Red Seal industrial roofer with Lakehead Roofing.

Cory was never happier than when he came home to Thunder Bay and became a father. His first
daughter, Rylee Audrey, was born in 2013 followed by Emma Jolee in 2016. Cory referred to his
daughters as “his girls”. Whether they were doing crafts, watching movies, trying out new
recipes, or hiking and swimming at Trowbridge Falls, he was always busy being “their daddy”.
It is true that in recent years, Cory faced a courageous and private battle with addiction. While
that struggle led him away from us for a time, it is so important to know that his addiction did
not define him. Even in his darkest moments, he missed his girls and his family immensely.
Anytime he was sent a picture of Rylee and Emma, he would respond with genuine pride, always
speaking of how deeply he loved them and how gorgeous his girls were. He was —and always
will be—their daddy, our beautiful son, a loving brother, a grandson, a nephew, a cousin and a
friend. His greatest pride wasn’t found in his many sports accomplishments, but in the simple,
beautiful title of “Daddy”.

Cory will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by his daughters Rylee and Emma; his
parents Michael and Lori; his brother Trevor and sister-in law Breanna (Calia, Amara); his sister
Taylor and brother-in law Mathew (Jameson), grandparents Ron Fortier and Lois York; Aunts,
Uncles and Cousins: Debbie Krasnichuk (Ryan/Nicole, Shelby) Bonnie and Joe Cordeiro
(Brittany/Dan, Brandon/Victoria, Madison/Kate) Kevin and Cheryl York (Kelsey/Gavin) Laura
and Brad Pirie (Sarah/Scott, Jack, Ben/Maddy) Michelle Wheeler (Emily) Lindsay and Jordan
Foglia. Predeceased by grandparents Helen Fortier and Raymond York, Aunt Wendy and Uncle
Greg Fortier.

While his story ends far too soon at the age of 37, his memory is not gone. It lives in the eyes of
his daughters and the 37 years of love he gave us.

To our precious Cory: Thank you for being ours. We will never forget you. We promise to take
good care of “your girls”, knowing you are watching over us all. You were, and always will be,
so deeply loved. Until we meet again, our sweet boy.

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I
can and wisdom to know the difference”.

“We love you, Daddy.”

A Celebration of Cory’s Life will be held on Tuesday, May 26 from 5:00-8:00pm at the Moose
Hall, 434 Fort William Road.

In honor of Cory, donations may be made to the DEK Foundation (dekfoundation.com) or in
support of his daughters, Rylee and Emma at emmaryleefortier@gmail.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 575 Central Avenue,
Thunder Bay.