BARRIE W. FORTIER

GUILFORD – Barrie W. Fortier, 65, died unexpectedly Jan. 29, 2009, in Guilford, doing what anyone who knew him would expect; helping someone else. He was born Sept. 2, 1943, in Dover-Foxcroft, the son of Lewis and Flora (Dudley) Fortier. A lifelong resident of Guilford, he attended Guilford schools and graduated from Piscataquis Community High School, Class of 1961. He spent three years in the U.S. 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 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 two 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 and 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; her mother, Maude Smith of Guilford; his siblings, Ross Sr. and Bonnie of Guilford and Emily and William Martin of Greenville; two nieces and three 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 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, at Crosby & Neal, 21 Oak St., Guilford. Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Wednesday at Guilford United Methodist Church with Pastor Stephen Dean officiating. Spring burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, Willimantic. Barrie liked to keep things simple; casual dress is requested for the calling hours and service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Guilford Fire Department, P.O. Box 420, Guilford, ME 04443. For an online guest register, go to www.CrosbyNeal.com.