FAIRFIELD CENTER – Roger Luke Shorty, 69, passed away in the comfort of his home on Friday, Sept. 16, 2022.

Roger was born in Waterville, Maine, on Saturday, Oct. 4, 1952. He was the son of Luke P. and Gladys A. (Lessard) Shorty. He attended school at Immaculate Heart of Mary and Lawrence High School. He received a certification in Industrial Electronics Technology from Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute and an Associate in Applied Science in Electronics Instrumentation from Kennebec Valley Vocational Technical Institute. Roger was drafted into the U.S. Army and served out his two-year term before returning home to Maine.

Roger’s career as an electrician, programmer, and systems specialist found him in the employment of Keyes Fiber, Industrial Electric Inc., SAPPI, and Wrabacon. Outside of work, Roger was a very active member of his church which was part of the Parish of Corpus Christi. He volunteered regularly at the Fairfield Interfaith Food Pantry and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #11303, where he held the office of Chancellor and past Grand Knight.

Throughout the vast majority of his life, he was an active member of Victor Grange where he took up the mantle of Overseer, Assistant Steward, Treasurer, and Master. In Pomona Grange, he served as assistant steward. He and his wife were honored as the State Grange young couple, and both served as a deputy at State Grange where they served on multiple committees. Through this work, Roger championed the cause of community and bringing people together in service to each other.

In his retirement, Roger worked on refining the small joys of life. Always a lifelong learner he would enjoy audio books, observing the subtle and beautiful inner workings of nature, and philosophizing on the deeper points of life and existence. Domestically, he loved cooking for Wanda, cleaning the house, dancing like no one was looking, and playing bridge twice a week.

He was predeceased by his parents, Luke and Gladys, and his brother, David.

He is survived by his loving wife, Wanda; his children Luke Shorty and Lisa Smith, Zachary Shorty and Rebecca Bannister, Matthew Shorty and Taylor Sinclair; grandson and child of Zachary and Rebecca, Alfred Shorty; siblings Marie and Reggie Rancourt, Linda Boone, Sandra and Tony Tibbetts; Jane and John Miller; and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Notre Dame Church in Waterville on Monday September 26, at 10 a.m., followed by the interment of his remains at Tozier Cemetery and a reception and celebration of life will be hosted by Victor Grange #49 and Knights of Columbus Council #11303 at the Victor Grange Hall at 11:30 a.m. 

The family would like to thank Maine General Hospice Care for making Roger’s last days on Earth comfortable, meaningful, and filled with love and community to send Roger off to his eternal resting place. The family would also like to thank the family that gave Roger the gift of life of 23 more years on this Earth through his liver transplant. Without your gift, the Shorty family’s trajectory would have been drastically different, and the 23 years of life we have received has been an immense blessing and joy for all of us.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Roger’s name to Victor Grange #49 to establish a community fund to help those in the community that are in need. Donations can be sent to

96 Bearce Road,

Winthrop, ME 04364

Attention: Roger Shorty

Community Fund.

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