On November 8, Fortis lost not only a founding employee but a cherished member of our family with the passing of Charles Gibson Holm.
From the very beginning, Charlie embodied a spirit of curiosity and adventure. He loved building, exploring, and tackling challenges head-on, a passion that shaped his life and career.
After earning his engineering degree from Oregon State University, Charlie began his professional journey at DPR Construction. His entrepreneurial drive soon led him to help launch Fortis Construction in 2003, where his vision and leadership helped define who we are today.
Charlie’s influence on Fortis is immeasurable. He helped craft our Core Values and Purpose, and most importantly he lived them every single day. In 2025, he led a team to Eswatini, Africa, completing a water project that brought clean water to hundreds of schoolchildren. That was Charlie: always giving, always leading.
He was a pioneer in datacenter construction and grew to be a giant in the datacenter industry, starting with the Facebook Datacenter in Prineville in 2009. Charlie went on to lead major datacenter campuses around the country and globe and was a true expert in the field, influencing what is today the largest segment of the construction industry. Owners trusted him with their most challenging projects and trade partners rallied around his leadership.
Across the industry, people knew him not just as a colleague but as someone who cared deeply. His leadership fueled Fortis’ growth, but his heart was always with his family. Whether cheering at his sons’ games, improving the family property, or planning the next outdoor adventure, Charlie poured himself into every moment.
Charlie’s life was defined by hard work, loyalty, and love. He built relationships, memories, and a legacy of kindness and strength. Those who worked with him will never forget his smile, his laugh, and his unwavering support for every teammate. His generosity and devotion to family and friends helped make Fortis what it is today.
Charlie Holm lived fully, loved deeply, and left an indelible mark on all who knew him. His story reminds us to embrace adventure, cherish family, and give our all – just as Charlie did every single day.
