Danny and I became life-long friends starting in the 4th grade when his family moved to South Bend from Ohio. The Fortlanders lived across the street from me on Manchester Dr.

Dan was the drum major for the John Adams Band and every Friday and Saturday night during basketball season he and his buddy, Bruce Laven, would lead the Pep Band and practically burn the gym down with their spirit and enthusiasm.

Dan went on to become a music teacher and band director at John Glenn High School in Walkerton.  He lead that band with the same spirit and enthusiasm for over 32 years, winning many awards throughout the years.  Dan Fortlander, or "Fort" as he known as, was beloved in the small towns of Walkerton and New Carlisle.  He taught the children of that community the love of music starting as young as elementary school.  The "Fort Effect" touched just about every student in the John Glenn School Corporation for over three decades.

Daniel James Fortlander was a great man and I am proud to have been one of his friends.