Brent Fortie

Brent Fortie unexpectedly passed away on Friday, April 30, 2021, of a brain aneurysm with his two brothers Wayne and Neil by his side. He also entered this life a little sooner than was expected. Mother gave birth to Brent in the elevator of the old Heber City Hospital on January 16, 1958, before she could make it to the delivery room. He was quickly diagnosed as a Down Syndrome child which, at the time, broke the hearts of our whole family. Over time we recognized just how special this little brother was and how he was blessing each of our lives. Brent was among the first group to reap the benefits of the new "special education" classes that were instigated in the Wasatch County School system. Under the special care of Wilma Witt and Ruth Silvers he learned to read, write, and to function at a high level. The speech classes were especially beneficial to him. Although Brent was difficult to understand he never let it deter him from wanting to be in the middle of every conversation. He loved to meet new people, and greeted all acquaintances with a big hug, or a high 5 and a big grin on his face. Every person was either "his best man" or "his best woman." There was never a difference between people with him...everybody was his "best people." Brent will be most remembered for always being happy, cheerful, and upbeat; he rarely had a bad day. He would spend hours each week stopping by the businesses on main street to say hello. He especially loved Christmas time when he would visit them to sing Christmas carols to the staff. Brent loved to participate in the "Special Olympics" where he won many metals.

It's sad to see him leave, but so nice knowing he's in a much better place, free from the constraints he delt with for 63 years. After Dad and Mother both passed Brent went to live with KT and Leila Faletau and their family in Sandy, Utah, where he enjoyed the company of Ernest and Roger who also had special needs. Our family is grateful to the Faletua's for their care and kindness to Brent over the past eleven years. We also appreciate our extended families and the people of Heber Valley who accepted Brent into their lives. Your kindness, your patience, and your acceptance of him has been Christ like. Brent's life story is a good example of "a whole village helping to raise a child!"

Brent is survived by his 2 sisters Colleen Turner (Boyd) and Karolyn Mickelson (Calvin) and his 3 brothers Wayne (Cheryl), Keith (Becky) and Neil. He is an uncle to 24 nieces and nephews, and a great uncle to 45 nieces and nephews, and a great great uncle to 8 nieces and nephews.

Brents viewing will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Monday, May 10, at the Heber Valley Funeral Home located at 288 N. Main Street in Heber City. Funeral services will start at 12 Noon following the viewing. Burial will be in the Heber City Cemetery.
Those who wish to join by zoom, please use the following link
http://zoom.us/j/4356545458