Industry icon Marcel Fortney dies unexpectedly
The motorcycle industry lost one of its best-known veterans, Marcel Fortney, Monday after he suffered a fatal heart attack at his ranch in Templeton, Calif.
Fortney, 49, was most recently the U.S. agent for AGV, an Italian helmet maker. Fortney worked with AGV’s exclusive American distributor, Parts Unlimited.
“I’ve known him since he was representing Pirelli back in the ‘80s and there wasn’t a more knowledgeable or personable guy in the business,” said Jeff Fox, Parts Unlimited chief.
Fortney’s career in motorcycling spanned nearly 30 years, dating back to his first job with Cycle Guide magazine. He worked in various sales and marketing capacities with many of the industry’s most respected firms including Fox Racing, Pirelli, Yoshimura and Artehouse before working with AGV. Fortney also owned and operated several San Francisco Bay area motorcycle dealerships.
His wife, Christie, and daughter, Mackie, 14, survive Fortney. A private memorial service is scheduled for noon on Sunday, Jan. 28 in Ojai, Calif. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in behalf of Fortney’s daughter to the Mackie Memorial Fund.
