Life is a funny thing. We never know our true impact or power on the world and the reach our life make in others.

Wisp and I were, "passing ship in the night," yet without her impact on my own life, I would have never worked at Camp Kawartha, met some of my best friend and certaibtly would not have met my wife and, in turn, my children. 

Wisp, set the stage for my arrival at camp. I remember reading her LIT report as she preceded me as LIT Director in 2002. I met her on several occasions after that, but never worked with her. The honour of working with the progeny of the Comstock/Fortin family would be through Marc or as I prefer to call him, "Swamy Loafy," who delighted campers and staff alike with his camp character and joy for everything "camp."

If Wisp could make that much of an impact on my life without even knowing me, imagine the lives she has impacted in the course of her short life. We should be humbled by both thr fragility of life, but also the great power that each of us have by just "being here."

My heart goes out to Wisp's family and friends in the days ahead and use these stories on how she has impacted us as examples to our own lives :)

Can’t imagine how devastated you all are… sending our deepest sympathies 
Judy  & Bob Reid 

Dear Chris, Mike, Marc, and families all, 
I am so very sorry to see this notice of Nicole's passing. It was just last summer we  had a delightful "catch-up" visit outside the grocery store in Lakefield. Despite not having seen much of her over the years, she remembered me, and my name too, immediately. I was delighted to say the least, and will always remember her warm and welcoming smile. I hope that memories of all the good times you shared together with her, will give you joy, peace, and comfort in these very tough times, and on-going. Big hugs and all my love to each and every one of you. Sincerely, Lynda Gadd.

Chris and Mike,
So sorry to hear about Nicole's passing at such a young age. Truly tragic. 
Stay strong in this dark hour.
Comfort to you both.
Sincerely, 
Dave Floyd


I am so very sorry for your loss. We were very lucky to have Nicole as our daughter’s teacher this year. She was an absolute gem who the kids adored. Nicole brought so much joy to her students and my daughter would come home daily always talking about how much she loved Mme.Fortin. Nicole loved each and every one of her students and it showed. We are heartbroken for the incredible loss not only for her Grade 6 class, but the entire school community. Thank you for sharing your beautiful daughter and sister with us, she truly made the world a better, brighter place! 

Dear Fortin Family
I had the pleasure of working with Nicole as she started her teaching career at St. Teresa,  and then I had the blessing of having her teach our two children at St. Paul's Lakefield.   Nicole had such a beautiful spirit and smile.  She brought joy to everything and everyone that she touched.  Her enormous love of the outdoors was contagious!  I will greatly miss Nicole.  She was an amazing woman and a even better friend!  You and your family are in our prayers during this difficult time!  Jenn and Mike DeMaeyer

I was devastated to hear of Nicole’s passing.  My condolences to her friends and family, thinking of you during this difficult time. 

Nicole Fortin touched my daughters life the year that she taught her. These are the emails they sent each other following her grade 8 graduation in 2021. Adrianna is heartbroken to hear of the loss of her favourite teacher. Such a kind, wonderful woman and a fantastic teacher.

Our hearts hurt for all of the Fortin family and friends. We have known Nicole since she was a child and watched her grow into a wonderful woman with such a passion for nature. Gone too soon. Rest in peace sweet Nicole.

Archie and Willy Campbell

We are so very sorry to hear of Nicole's passing.  I know she had a love of nature and the great outdoors. A beautiful life cut short.  Our thoughts are with Mike  Chris and family
Catherine  and Gerry Cooper ♥️ 

Dear Mike, Chris and Nicole's family and friends,
It is with heavy hearts that we offer our sympathy for the loss of your beloved Nicole. May happy memories comfort you. We knew Nicole through the stories you shared. 
Sending Blessings and love from our home to yours.
Hugs dear friends,
Clayton and Marilyn

Our deepest condolences to all of you on such a very sad time. 
We remember all the times Nicole and Dana wanted girl time and Marc and Kimberly trying to squeeze in  to bother them.
Also fun times skiing at Bethany ski hill.
There are not enough words to express during this time.
We send our love, prayers and hugs to all of you during this very challenging period.
Love to all
Doreen, Dana & Kimberly 
xx


I’m deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved Nicole. After looking through the photos on this site, it's easy to see how much she was loved by family and friends. Thinking of you and sending loving thoughts over the miles. My heartfelt condolences. 
Koni 

Nicole was a wonderful teacher who shared her love of learning with all her students. She was always kind and caring  and will be missed by all who knew her.
May she find eternal peace resting in the arms of Our Loving Father.
My deepest condolences to her family and staff. 
In sympathy,
Ellen Dumas 

I am so sorry to Nicole's family to hear of this tragic loss; and also so sorry to her friends, as she was a dear friend to many.  I have worked with Nicole off and on for years and will repeat what has been said many times here: Nicole was soft-hearted, kind, quick to laugh, and always so interested in others.  Whenever we hadn't seen each other in a while, we would always send messages and fill one another in on our adventures.  I always admired how independent Nicole was- driving west alone to just enjoy the beauty of Canada and even camping alone! She inspires me.  As heartbreaking as it is to see her life cut so short, it is comforting to know how much life she packed into her years.  She enjoyed lots of adventures and friendships.  She will be so missed.


Mike and Chris, we are sending you our deepest sympathy on the loss of Nicole.  We are thinking of you at this most difficult time.  Sincerely Roberta and Jim Morasse

Chris & Mike,
Very sad to learn today of Nicole’s passing.
I can still picture her beaming smile as a young girl at the lake.
Our hearts hurt for you both & family.
We are not supposed to bury our children. 
Chuck & Cathy.

Chris and Mike 
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Nicole.  So sad for someone so young and full of life. My condolences to you and Marc and family.
Kim McDougall


I am so sorry to hear of Nicole’s passing. I had the good fortune to work with Nicole at St. Anne Catholic Elementary School in Peterborough for a few years. Nicole had a genuine, caring and and gentle nature.
She was loved by the staff and students. I recall if I was away for a day or two, Nicole would find me the following day to ask me how I was doing. I always felt that Nicole  genuinely cared. She was also willing to get involved and support whatever we are doing at school with the students, including volunteering for our Night skiing program. I will keep Nicole and the Fortin family in my prayers. What a wonderful person Nicole is and I am saddened that  more children will not get to have her for their teacher.  

I had the privilege of working with Nicole at St. Anne.  She was the kindest, most generous and thoughtful woman!  She never complained, she was just happy.  She was always smiling and always asked about you, your family and how you were doing.  Selfless.  Great sense of humor.  Her students loved her because she was so reliable, flexible, supportive, kind and committed.  Her last message to me read "Keep having so much fun always!" ~ even when she was faced with darkness, she was shining a light and encouraging me.  I am so grateful I had the opportunity to know Nicole.  I am a better person ~ I will think of her often.  Peace & Prayers, Jenn Fisher

Mme Fortin’s kindness and encouragement to all of her students made a lasting impact. Her passion  for nature and teaching was evident  and appreciated❤️ Sending thoughts and prayers to all of her friends and family. She will be greatly missed by the St. Anne’s community. 

Christine, Mike and Marc, 
Nicole was an integral part of our St. Anne CES Family. We will miss her enthusiasm, positive energy and love for children. She was an exceptional teacher and her students are a testament to her skill and care. We hope you will find some peace in knowing the difference that she made here every day, for everyone that she encountered. She will always be part of the spirit of St. Anne and we will share stories and wonderful memories of her in the years to come.  You are in our thoughts and prayers as you walk this journey. 


Dear Chris and Mike
LYNN and I were so sadden and shocked  by the news of Nicole’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. 
Lois and Lynn

Nicole was a kind and generous friend. She hosted many gatherings at her house on the lake. She loved to laugh and reminisce about her years in Thunder Bay with the gang. Very very sorry for your loss. She left us too soon. May the memories of her help you in the very difficult time. 

Chris and Mike, sending condolence on the lost of your daughter. our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sending our deepest sympathy to both of you. 
Don and Judy Poole

So sorry for your loss!  Condolences from the the Greening family. 

I've known Wisp since I was 11, when 27 years ago she was my counselor. She became a role model to me, showing me I did not need to be the loudest in the room to be a leader and that moving to Thunder Bay didn't have to be scary because it was clearly just the beginning of so many adventures. She always had a calming presence with the warmest smile, no-nonsense approach and a contagious squishy-faced giggle. We reconnected at a crucial turning point in my life, when I had put life on hold to spend a year living at camp. She came to visit, hike around the range and chat about life. I wish I could have told her how much her visits meant to me. She will be missed. Sending all my love to the Fortin family. Jessica/Smartie

We loved Nicole's smile, enthusiasm and gentleness.  Her presence at Camp Kawartha was always uplifting.  Wherever she went Nicole aka Whisp (her Camp Name), exuded an aura of kindness that washed over everyone near her.  We are all better for having known Nicole and we'll miss her.  We'll make sure to plant a tree and to create a special spot at Camp Kawartha in her honour.
With sadness - Jacob Rodenburg and the Camp Kawartha Staff

Mme Fortin was the most loving and compassionate teacher who cared so deeply for her students. We will always remember her friendly smiles and positive attitude towards all who were lucky to have known her. This picture was taken 5 years ago when my daughter Ava was in grade 6 at St.Anne’s. Ava was very upset to hear of this very sad news. May you rest in peace. 🙏❤️ 
Jen Waechter, Ava & Liam Laundry

Dear Chris, Mike,  Marc and family
Nicole was a treasure I'm happy to have called a friend.  Will remember the wonderful girl with the positive outlook, gentle ways, and humour that would crack us both up!
Rest now my friend
Lori

My dear friend Nicole, your smile and gentle ways were a treasure to have in my life.  We didn't have to see each other often to know how we felt.
Miss you my friend, rest in peace

We will always remember getting our families together and heading off to ski. So many memories. We send hugs and you are in our prayers. Karen and Gord Ferguson

OBITUARY

Nicole Claire Fortin

May 8, 1980 – March 27, 2023

Comstock-Kaye Life Celebration Centre

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