SOUTH CHINA – Gerard “Jerry/Gerry” P. Fortin passed away on Oct. 7, 2021, at home, with daughter Audrey at his side. He left us the day before what would have been his wife’s (Anne) 88th birthday. Happy Birthday, Mom.

He was born Oct. 26, 1934 in Augusta, to Raynold and Annette (Demers) Fortin. He graduated from Augusta schools. Dad worked at McLellan’s Dept. Store in Maine and Connecticut, where he met his future wife. Dad had to get his parent’s permission to marry! They were married Oct. 24, 1955, he could not wait those two days! They celebrated 65 years of marriage last year.

He also worked at Wasson’s A & W in Augusta, Augusta Supply Co., and retired from Kirschner’s after 28 years.

He enjoyed cooking (his coleslaw was the best!), fishing, hunting, woodworking (there were some of his photo/art frames hanging in the Pershing Building (N.Y.C.) in the 80s and 90s.

He was kind of gruff and had strong opinions sometimes, but was loved by all. He had a sense of humor that was his own!

He is survived by his children: Joan (Tim) Chaffee of Clinton, Audrey and Pepper Fortin of South China, Neal (Stacy) Fortin of Riverside, Calif. Grandchildren: Cheslie (Eric) Kaherl of Winthrop. Elizabeth (Xavier) Fonseca of Ontario, Calif. Great grandchildren: Katie, Jessica and Michael Kaherl, Winthrop, Anne Fonseca of Ontario, Calif., several nieces and nephews. Cousin, Jeanette Michaud of Augusta and So. West Harbor. Cousin-in-law, Kermit (Sandi) Staples, Connor TWP. Special and longtime friends of the family, Julia Marois of So. China and Alice Baxter of Weeks Mills.

Predeceased by sister, Cecile Chaisson.

A special thank you to Maine General Hospice and Plummer Funeral Home.

Burial will be November 7, at 1 p.m. at the China Village Cemetery, 148 Neck Road, China. Family and Friends welcome.

As Dad would say “Bah, Humbug!” Rest in peace, Dad.