KHTS Radio Santa Clarita Radio – Santa Clarita News
Kathleen (Kathy) Fortine, whose talent catapulted her from the Hart High School band room (Chieftains, Class of 1977) to a career as an Emmy-winning musical director, died Friday, according to her father, Bruce Fortine, president of the College of the Canyons Board of Trustees. She was 56.
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Bruce Fortine wrote the following Facebook message:
Friday night with one phone call became the worst night of my life: “Hello, is this Bruce Fortine, the father of Kathleen Fortine? Yes, I am. This is Officer “Smith” of the Burbank Police Department. Sir, I’m so sorry to inform you that your daughter has passed away.” With those words, the weight of the world crashed down upon me…
In the next few hours we had more conversations. He was understanding, compassionate and caring and wanting to ease my grief. The perfect person to be working with me.
Words can’t begin to tell you what a wonderful daughter Kathy Fortine was, so I’ll save that for another time. She was a proud graduate of Wm. S. Hart High School and attended Pepperdine University where she studied music and then transferred to California State University Long Beach where she graduated with a degree in Television Production. She started at the bottom of her industry as a Paige for the CBS show “WKRP in Cincinnati.” She worked hard and developed a long resume of credits which earned her an impressive list of Emmy nominations and awards. Two of those awards included her music directing of the Academy Awards Show and the Emmy Awards. In the last few years she worked on the Rick Dees late night show for ABC-TV and currently with the Jimmy Kimmel Show for ABC/Disney on Channel 7. She was an A-List director and had the respect and admiration of her peers. Everyone wanted to work with Kathy.
Gloria and I are devastated by this and appreciate the outpouring of sympathy, kindness and love from all of you.
Story courtesy of SCV News.
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I am so sorry for your loss, Sir. It is unimaginable to me to lose a child and what a legend, Kathy was. You have so much to be proud of and my prayers and love are with you and your family. God bless you and may He keep Kathy as an angel at His right hand.
How sad and devastating for the Fortine family, Kathy was such wonderful person and what a great journey Kathy she had, I had no idea of her success as she stayed in the industry, it is tragic to see such a great persons life end so young.
I had the privilege to be on the Chieftains Jazz band with Kathy, she was such a talented musician and also such a kind, giving and thoughtful person. My thoughts and prayers go out to Kathy’s family, friend’s and co-workers.
My condolences to your family I will pray for her and the family . JOE COMELLA FinalScore
So sorry to hear of the passing of your wonderful daughter, Kathy Fortine. I never had the privilege of knowing her personally, but she sounds like she was an incredible director as well as a truly beautiful person. Sending condolences for your loss.
Bruce, I am at such a loss for words regarding the news of your daughter’s passing…So very sorry to hear such devastating news…What an amazing and wonderful person Kathy was, to have earned such an outstanding reputation in a very demanding business…and what a gift she must have been to all the people lucky enough to have had her in their lives…I am deeply saddened by the news and admire your strength in sharing your feelings with all of us…I wish I had just the right thing to say…but I don’t know what those words would be…Please know that Valerie and I will be keeping you and Gloria and your entire family in our closest thoughts and prayers, and hoping that the strength of your family can help guide you all through this very difficult and sad time…Kathy was obviously a very special person, and she will remain so in the hearts of all who knew her… Looking forward to seeing you soon, as always…
Our hearts are sad–we will place you and your family in our prayers, for peace and comfort during this excruciating time.
Dear Bruce and Gloria:
So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you both and your family.
Please know if there is anything that I can do, don’t hesitate to ask.
May you find peace in your hearts with the wonderful memories of your lovely and accomplished daughter.
It was really sad when I saw this earlier. It’s hardest to lose a family member. Our most sincere condolences and prayers for your family. May your daughter Kathy rest in peace, Keep well.
Always, Zony Gordon
Bruce and Gloria Steven and I are saddened about the news of your daughter. I just read this and can’t begin to imagine what you must be going through. I want you to know that our prayers and thoughts are with you and we are here to support you. There are never the right words to say at a time like this.
ML Nola Aronson
I am so sorry for your family…
So young and so much life ahead of her.
If it was natural causes, I hope she did not suffer.
My prayers to your family..
Diane and I send all our good thoughts and prayers to you and your family. We are saddened by your significant loss. We can’t imagine how difficult the loss of your daughter must be. We hope for you peace and comfort in the coming days.
I am so sorry to hear this news. I hold all of you in my heart as you grieve. Love, light, and prayers to all of you.
I didn’t know Kathy, but I know our whole community & the industry in which she worked feel your pain.
As a former music teacher, I can tell you that we are occasionally blessed with a shining star like your daughter. She was that shining star here, and now she is a shining star in God’s heaven.
Our condolences go out to her family and friends.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this unimagineably sad time for you and your family.