John Robert Fort

John Robert Fort, "Bob" 82, born August 28, 1940, in Charlotte, NC, passed away January 5, 2023 after a brief illness. He resided in Palm Desert, CA at the time of his passing. He is survived by his spouse Donna S Fort; children Scott Fort, Yucca Valley, CA; K. Meredith Kerrigan (Mike), Huntersville, NC; S. Gregory Fort (Dara), Hillsborough, NC; John Michael Fort, Easley, SC; brother Joseph Edwin Fort (Janice), Columbia, S.C; maternal Aunt Evelyn Holbrook, Charlotte, NC; step children Bob Fowler (Belen), Merlo, Argentina and Vicki Martinka (John), Bechtelsville, PA. He is also survived by grandchildren, Michaela, Madeline, Sophia, Vivienne, Braden and Celia, Emilia, Julian, as well as cousins, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by is parents John and Frances Fort and granddaughter Mackenzie L Kerrigan. Bob graduated from NC State University in 1962 with a BS in Chemistry and Minors in English and Math. He began working for Joseph Bancroft and Sons immediately after graduating from college. He then accepted a position with Celanese where he worked for several years before relocating his family to California. There he help found two successful carpet mills Sun West and Fabrica. Later in life he was one of 5 founders of Aerovehicles, Inc of which he remained the Chairman upon his death. Bob was an avid reader, enjoyed exercising/swimming, was a wonderful cook and dabbled in renovations and repairs of several homes he owned. He loved to travel and saw many different countries during his lifetime. A Celebration of his Life will be held in North Carolina at a date/time to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Cathedral City, California.