Marcel Fortney, 1957-2007 (Local Papers)

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.