Horace Vance Fortenberry

Horace Vance Fortenberry was born in Central, New Mexico on October 19, 1934 to Richard Lee and Nana Belle Fortenberry. He grew up in New Mexico and Oregon with his siblings Hershel, Richard, Paul Dean, and Phronia Kay. While visiting family in Central Oregon he was drafted into the Army on May 16, 1957 and spent the next 2 years as a transportation specialist in Germany and received a good conduct metal. He returned to New Mexico after his military service was completed. He moved to Oregon 1968 and later relocated to the Southern Oregon Coast to begin his career again for the Federal Government. He was instrumental in creating and designing wildlife and fish habitats while working for The Bureau of Land Management. His career as a Heavy Equipment Operator took him down the Smith River, Camp Creek, and Mill Creek close to the Southern Oregon Coast. In January 1974, Horace rekindled an old flame with his high school sweetheart Alberta while visiting family in Terrebonne Oregon. On September 14, 1974 Alberta became his beautiful wife and spent the last 39 years by his side. Together they raised 8 children and spent as much time as possible fishing, camping, hunting, gardening and trapping. Horace was a mountain man at heart and loved spending his time surrounded by the wilderness. Horace talked about relocating back to Central Oregon for years. So when he retired in 1995 it was off to Terrebonne for a new adventure with his wife. He took a shack and created a home where family and friends would gather and memories where made. The farming rancher found the place he belonged. He became a member of the Oregon Hunters Association in 1996. Again, he began giving back to the environment by planting trees, natural grasses, sage and bitter brush to restore the area. Hard work and a strong sense of doing what right steered Horace though out his life. Horace was a man of many talents. He will be remembered by all who knew him as an honorable man and family icon. Never too busy to lend a helping hand. He was a good husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and friend. He was a great example of what a man should be. A memorial service will be held Saturday February 22, 2014 at 11 am at Redmond Memorial Chapel with a celebration of life to follow at the Terrebonne Grange Hall. Donations can be made to Redmond Hospice, 732 SW 23rd St, Redmond, OR 97756, or to Oregon Hunters Association at OHA Office, PO Box 1706, Medford, OR 97501. Funeral Home: Redmond Memorial Chapel 717 SW 6th Street Redmond, OR US 97756

Horace Vance Fortenberry

October 19, 1934 - February 17, 2014