Barrie W. Fortier Obituary (1943

GUILFORD- Barrie W. Fortier, 65, died unexpectedly January 29, 2009, in Guilford, doing what anyone who knew him would expect; helping someone else. He was born September 2, 1943, in Dover-Foxcroft, son of Lewis and Flora (Dudley) Fortier. A lifelong resident of Guilford, he attended Guilford schools and graduated from P.C.H.S., class of 1961. He spent 3 years in the US Army with Company B 83rd Engineering Battalion, serving both in France and Vietnam. Upon returning to Maine he worked as a heavy equipment operator for several companies including, Haley's Construction, Davis & Glidden, Cleaves Farms, Herbert Pulkkinen, Gerald Thomas, and lastly for Pike Paving. He also worked for Donny Thompkins where he was one of 10 "ice road truckers" in Greenville, hauling wood across Moosehead Lake. He was a member of the Guilford Fire Department for 25 years, and was a part of their basketball and muster teams. Barrie was an avid cribbage player and would do anything for his family and friends. With his last kind act, hopefully 2 people will be able to see again as the result of corneal transplant. He is survived by his children, Seth and his partner, Alexa of Guilford, Boyd and his wife, Joanne of Jackman, Niki of Guilford, Todd and his wife, Tara of Guilford; and the "troops" Jeremy, Tina, Desneige, Derrick, Kaytlyn, Zachary, and Nicholas. He is also survived by his best friend and the mother of his children, Linda Fortier, and her mother, Maude Smith of Guilford; his siblings, Ross Sr. and Bonnie of Guilford, and Emily and William Martin of Greenville; 2 nieces and 3 nephews and their families; a very special aunt "Winnie" Pulkkinen; several cousins and their families; a very special friend Earling "Zeke" Hersey and too many other friends to list. He was predeceased by his parents, a nephew, Jason, and his father-in-law Roy Smith. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM Tuesday, February 3rd at Crosby & Neal, 21 Oak Street in Guilford. Funeral services will be held 3 PM Wednesday, at the Guilford United Methodist Church with Pastor Stephen Dean officiating. Barrie like to keep things simple, casual dress is requested for the calling hours and funeral. Spring burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery in Willimantic. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Guilford Fire Dept., P.O. Box 420, Guilford, ME 04443.