A private memorial service is scheduled for noon on Sunday, January 28th in Ojai, CA and all of Marcel's friends are welcome to attend. A potluck meal will also take place for those who would like to participate. The memorial will be held at the home of Guy Webster:
5357 Reeves Road
Ojai, CA
(easy to find, on the east side of Ojai)
For further details about the memorial please call 760-436-9937.
Having ridden with him at the Cycle World Trek at the end of September it was shock and a true sense of saddness in leraning of his sudden death. Marcel was simply one of the nicest guys you would ever have the pleasure of knowing. When riding with him he was always faster then me but he never minded waitng for me to catch up and when I did he'd just smile and away we'd go again. A class guy, the Trek's won't be the same without him.
- Dennis Yohman Helmet House
I first met Marcel more than ten years ago when we were both working on industry expansion projects through the Motorcycle Industry Council. I was immediately drawn to Marcel by his warmth and wonderful personality. We moved from business colleagues to genuine friends quickly and his friendship is one I'll cherish forever. Marcel was a visionary and very important influencer in our industry who moved ideas foward not by being pushy, but rather by sharing his enthusiasm with others and by sound business sense and gentle persuasion.
I've never had the opportunity to meet Christie or Mackie, but I know how dearly he loved and cherished them through our many conversations. Whenever he spoke of Christie and Mackie,his face would light up and you could hear the love in his voice. Marcel had a gentleness of spirit and a sweetness of soul that enriched the lives of the people he touched.
Ride on my friend and Godspeed.
- Gary Christopher
I have been lucky enough to have known Marcel for about 10yrs. He always had time to talk, have a laugh or lend a hand.A natural story teller.His passion for life was as deep as his interests were broad. A gentleman, He will be missed.
- Peg Leg Craig
I met Marcel back in the early eighties on the way to Baja, he was driving the Yoshimura Truck, our paths have crossed many times since then and I've always been struck by Marcel's great humanity, kindness and willingness to help out. Our world and our industry is diminished with his absence. Safe journey friend.
- M Vaughan
Sending more loving, healing thoughts your way . . . I join you both, family members and many friends who mourn the loss of Marcel. And yet, I smile, too, recalling moments and hours shared with the three of you in these years you have lived, laughed and loved together.
You two will move on, as needs be, and please know that I am here for you if there is EVER anything I can do.
Now, we all "celebrate" the life of Marcel, knowing how much he contributed to the lives of those around him, professionally, as a caring friend and as a loving husband and father.
Lee and I regret that we will be unable to attend Marcel's memorial service this Sunday, but as you might expect, Lee will be competing at Ram Tap. Nonetheless, our "connection" will be strong and close, for Lee will be riding Fiona. We will be with you in spirit, and keeping in touch.
Love,
Joanie
I met Marcel around 5 years ago when I purchased an older Ducati from him. He welcomed me into his home, I met his wife Christie, and his friendly attitude was overwhelming. We remained friends and kept in contact from our first meeting, and it was always great to talk about anything to do with bikes, family, and life. He will be greatly missed and our condolences to his family and friends. God's speed Marcel.
- Greg & Tina Petersen
Someone somewhere must have needed some stories told, wine sipped, bikes ridden, waters calmed, problems solved, hearts warmed or old trucks rescued. Marcel will be so missed by so many.
- Scott Young
He was a prince.
- John
At Roadracing World, on Dakar Daily (bottom of page) and on one of Marcel's favorite sites SuperbikePlanet.com.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in behalf of Marcel's daughter to:
The Mackie Memorial Fund
c/o Mid State Bank
1207 Maricopa Hwy, Ojai, CA 93023
For information regarding the fund contact Patti Michaels at 805-646-0111. Note: If you need to reach Mid-State Bank before or after hours, Patti's cell phone is 805-272-5900.
Templeton CA, January 18, 2007– Local resident Marcel Fortney suffered a fatal heart attack at his Templeton ranch on Monday, January 15th.
Fortney, 49, had spent nearly 30 years working in the motorcycle industry, beginning with his first job at Cycle Guide magazine. He was most recently the U.S. agent for AGV, a prominent Italian helmet maker. He also owned and operated several San Francisco Bay area motorcycle dealerships.
“Calm, cool, and creative; that was Marcel,” said friend and business associate Justyn Amstutz. “I just can’t believe he’s gone. Not only was he a leader in our industry but those of us blessed enough to also know him as a friend will miss him very much.”
In addition to his passion for motorcycles, Fortney will be remembered as a great music lover, an ardent reader, a devoted husband, and an avid supporter of his daughter’s equestrian career.
Marcel lived in Ojai from 1998 through 2005. As the “Unofficial Mayor” of Ojai, it was not uncommon to find Marcel at Ojai Coffee Roasters or Bonnie Lu’s surrounded by friends. “I swear, he always had one eye on the window. He could tell you who went by in the last ten minutes, what car they were driving and what the mileage was on that car. He knew everyone. Everyone. Today there’s a void running right through the heart of town.”, said his long time friend and fellow resident, Jeffrey Cox.
Marcel Fortney leaves his wife, Christie, and daughter Mackie, 14.
Templeton CA, January 18, 2007 - The motorcycle industry unexpectedly lost one of its best known and most loved veterans, Marcel Fortney, who suffered a fatal heart attack at his ranch in Templeton, CA near Paso Robles on Monday, January 15th.
Fortney, 49, was most recently the U.S. agent for AGV, the prominent Italian helmet maker responsible for protecting Valentino Rossi's head throughout his career. Fortney worked with AGV's exclusive American distributor, Parts Unlimited.
"It's unbelievable that Marcel is no longer with us," said Parts Unlimited chief Jeff Fox. "I've known him since he was representing Pirelli back in the '80s and there wasn't a more knowledgeable or personable guy in the business."
Fortney's career in motorcycling spanned nearly 30 years, dating back to his first job with Cycle Guide magazine. He worked in various sales and marketing capacities with many of the industry's most respected firms including Fox Racing, Pirelli, Yoshimura, Artehouse, and most recently, AGV Helmets. Fortney had also owned and operated several San Francisco Bay area motorcycle dealerships.
"'Shocking' doesn't begin to describe Marcel's passing," said Justyn Amstutz, Executive Vice President and COO at National Powersport Auctions and a close friend of Fortney's. "Scott Cox and I were just with him last weekend preparing for the third Monterey Classic Bike Auction."
"Calm, cool, and creative; that was Marcel," continued Amstutz. "I just can't believe he's gone. Not only was he a leader in our industry but those of us blessed enough to also know him as a friend will miss him very much."
Marcel Fortney leaves his wife, Christie, and daughter Mackie, 14.
