Marcel Fortney, 1957-2007 (Industry Press Release)
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.
1 comment:
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
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