It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of David Roger Fortney, a beloved father, husband, brother, son, cherished friend, and steadfast soul, on July 1, 2025. He was 63 years old.
Born on June 18, 1962 in Madison, Wisconsin, David lived a life full of purpose, leaving an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
His love for Hawaii, with its aloha spirit and breathtaking landscapes, was a reflection of his own warm and inviting spirit.
David had a brilliant mind and deeply valued education. He earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Wisconsin, Madison before settling in California and completing an MBA at the University of California, Los Angeles.
He then went on to create his own import company, Ice Box Foods, where he connected cultures from around the world through the universal language of food.
David’s passion for travel led him to explore every corner of the globe, filled with adventures in the outdoors, good eats, and longtime friends. He especially loved mountain biking, windsurfing, and snowboarding. When he wasn’t traveling, he enjoyed crafting homemade pizza in his pizza oven, tending to his garden and chicken coop, and making peach jam on “Fortney Farms,” his nickname for his home in Knight’s Valley, California.
David was quick to offer a steady hand in times of need. He dedicated his life to his family, and everything he did was rooted in his love for them.
He embodied loyalty, generosity, and an unwavering sense of duty. Everyone could agree that he was magnetic, always making his friends and family laugh in times of joy and stress alike. He was the kind of man who would cry at a corny commercial, who came alive at a family dinner, and who was always game to try something new.
His passing is a heartfelt reminder to hold those we love close to our hearts through love and compassion.
He is survived by his daughter Eva, his mother Carol, sisters Roberta, Rebecca, and Karen, many nieces and nephews and countless friends. His memory will be a beacon of love for all that knew him.
A celebration of David’s life will be held on July 25th at 11:00 am at Saint Ignatius Church located at 650 Parker Avenue, San Francisco, CA. Family, friends and all whose lives touched are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention under the David Fortney Memorial Fund. The link to the online donation page is as follows: https://supporting.afsp.org/campaigns/DavidFortneyMemorialFund.
May he rest in eternal peace, forever carried in our hearts.