Fortin Lodge: Honoring the Fortins’ Lasting Impact
Some legacies are loud. Others are quietly lived, etched into the lives they’ve touched. Fortin Lodge at the Ranch stands as a tribute to the latter.
Built in 1961, Dorothy Fortin Lodge was the first home constructed at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch with a house parent model. Named in memory of Dorothy Fortin, the kind and gracious wife of Phillip Fortin, the lodge reflects the couple’s enduring spirit of generosity.
The Fortins were among our earliest and most devoted supporters. Blessed in business, they believed deeply in giving back—and they did so with humility and joy. With open hearts and steadfast faith in our mission, they helped lay the foundation for the work we continue today.
Secret Santas and a Spirit of Giving
From 1959 to 1985, the Fortins quietly served as “Secret Santas” for the Ranch, making sure the children experienced the joy of Christmas through festive shopping trips and gifts. Though many were given anonymously, their impact was deeply felt.
Their generosity extended far beyond Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, reaching into the heart of the Billings community and beyond. But their giving wasn’t just about resources—it was about creating stability, trust, and the feeling of being cared for.
A Home That Still Holds Meaning
Designed to house up to 36 boys, the lodge became more than a structure—it became a home. Today, Fortin Lodge stands tall as a testament to second chances and quiet generosity.
That legacy continues in the lives of those who once called it home. One former youth shared:
“Every so often, I pass through Billings and stop and say ‘Hi’ to any lodge staff who are there when I was. I feel it is important because they have a very difficult job, and they may not see the reward gained by their hard work. If I can go back ten years later and show them the positive results of their work, it may encourage or motivate them to continue.”
These words are a powerful reminder that the Fortins’ legacy lives on—in every life changed, every step forward, and every moment of hope sparked within those walls.
Post originally written by Liz Campoy, Public Relations Coordinator.
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