We regret to advise Corporal Fred Lortie (Ret’d) of Brandon MB on 17 December 2017.
Frederic Jerome Lortie was born in Quebec City. He joined the Canadian Army in Quebec City in 1951 when he was 18 years old, joining four of his five brothers serving in the Royal 22e Regiment (Vandoos). He served with the Vandoos in Korea, returning to Canada in 1953 and was posted to the PArachute Training Centre in Shilo MB. In Shilo, he developed an interest in photography. He met his wife in Shilo and was married in 1956 when he was posted to Montreal and transferred to the Royal Canadian Engineers in the trade of Photographer.
In the 60s, Fred was hired by a past unit commander then working in the Canadian National Railway and began a new civilian career as a professional photographer. Highlights of his career during the 60's that took him across the country on a range of railway tasks. Other tasks at CN included taking photos of prominent political figures and celebrities of the time as well as promotional photos for events such as Expo 1967 Centennial celebrations in Montreal. Fred and Ena returned to Brandon in May of 1972 to begin raising their three young children. He established his own private photography business. Later in life, he was employed in public services with the federal government. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion.
