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On Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, Chuck Fortlage passed away peacefully at home with his wife of 57 years by his side.

Mr. Fortlage was born Aug. 26, 1928, and was raised in Eagle Rock. He attended Occidental College and was a member of the SAE fraternity. Upon graduation he served during the Korean War with the United States Coast Guard on a buoy tender stationed in Ketchican, Alaska. Mr. Fortlage returned to Southern California and settled in Pasadena. He first worked briefly for the YMCA and then became an insurance agent. He had his own insurance agency in Pasadena for more than a quarter century. The YMCA was a central part of Mr. Fortlage's life. He was first affiliated with the YMCA while in high school. He served as a camp counselor at both the Catalina Island and Big Bear Lake facilities. Fortlage gave many years of volunteer service with YMCA boards of directors. He eventually served as president of the Metropolitan Board of YMCA's, Los Angeles Chapter. After his more than 20 years service to the YMCA, he was recognized for his commitment by receiving the prestigious Man of the Year award.

Mr. Fortlage was an active member of the Pasadena community and was also involved in the Sonoma community after moving here in 1999. While in Pasadena, in addition to his work with the YMCA, Mr. Fortlage served on the board of directors for the Pasadena Boys Choir, Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and was a member of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses. After he and his wife, Nancy, moved to Sonoma, Fortlage joined the Sonoma Chamber of Commerce, served as member and president of the Vintage Festival and was involved with a local mentorship program for troubled teens. In 1986, Mr. Fortlage was the 24th transplant patient and the oldest to be approved for transplant at the time at UCLA Medical Center. In following with his commitment to volunteerism, he was very active with TRIO (Transplant Recipient International Organization).

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Fortlage, his three daughters Cynthia (Steve) Jones, of Sonoma, Beth (Bill) Lauterbach, of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Lisa (Michael) Sotero, of Santa Cruz. He was grandfather to Todd and Ronnie Jones, Jackie and Erin Lauterbach and Carlo and Mia Sotero. He is also survived by his brothers, Robert Fortlage, of Davis, and Donald Fortlage, of Vancouver, Wash.

There will be a celebration of Chuck Fortlage's life on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 1 to 4 p.m. at his daughter s house, 397 Engler St., Sonoma. There will be no other formal service.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to UC Regents, please add the gift is in memory of Charles F. Fortlage and is designated to the heart transplant program. Please send them in care of Adrienne Walt, Senior Director of Development, UCLA Medical Sciences Development, 10945 Le Conte Ave., Suite 3132, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1784.

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