Michigan is where Gerald Fort was born, raised and got married. In 1972, he and wife Connie moved to Rockwood, then considered a middle class area that was a decent place to raise a family. Sons Bob, Mike and daughter Carrie were excited when their parents decided to build a log home in the country. Finding some very private acreage in Corbett, the family and friends set about building a beautiful and spacious log home in 1989. Next year in 2013, Jerry and Connie will celebrate 50 years of marriage. Daughter Carrie and her daughter currently live with them, and son Mike and his family live just "up the hill." Son Bob is currently living in South Carolina. Over the years, the Fort family have taken in various foster children as well as exchange students from both Germany and Switzerland. Having a large garden has always been an important part of family life for the Fort's. Over the years they have raised various fruits and vegetables, but the most successful crops have been blueberries and squash. The "Wood Rats" have always been their biggest challenge, as the deer come out of their woods and like to eat just about anything the family has growing! Jerry retired in 1995 from Boeing after spending 23 years as a machinist. Retirement has been a rewarding lifestyle change- Jerry volunteers at the Corbett Grange with the Helping Hands food program, helps with Connie at a homeless shelter in Gresham, and likes to elk hunt once a year with his son Mike and friend Toby. Faith has always been an important part of the Fort family, and they have attended East Hill Church for 30 years. One of the most important things Jerry has appreciated about living in Corbett has been the friendly neighbors he has known for years. He jokes that anyone mean gets shot!
