AUGUSTA – Roland W. Fortin, 76, went to be with his Lord Dec. 5, at the Togus VA Hospital after a long illness.

He was born in Lewiston, March 10, 1931, one of six children. Most of his young adult life was spent in Lewiston.

A World War II veteran, returning to Lewiston after the war, he worked several years in local garages as a mechanic. In 1993, he retired from Pioneer Plastics Corp.

In 1973, he married the love of his life and his best friend, Muriel. They were married in Winthrop, and made Winthrop their home for 30 years. He became the stepfather of Muriel’s three grown children, loving and caring for them as his own children. He was a very gentle and caring man, who loved all the grandchildren as they came along, all eight of them. He spent his life doing for others, always putting his family first.

He is survived by the wife, Muriel A. Fortin of Winthrop; two sisters, Rita Denis of Gardiner and Rita Cote of Clarksville, Tenn.; three brothers, Raoul Fortin of Vernon, Conn., Roger Fortin and his wife, Ludgarde, of Lewiston and Joseph Fortin and his wife, Lucille, of Debary Ill.; two stepdaughters, Gail Williams and her husband, Donald, of Winthrop and Carolyn Gile and her husband, Hermon, of Sidney; stepdaughter-in-law, Wanda Gay of Turner; his godson, Larry Fortin of Lewiston; and several nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents of Lewiston; son, Michael J. Fortin of Lewiston; and his stepson, Roland L. Gay II of Winthrop.

Roland loved the Christmas holiday. He loved the parties with the laughter and love with families getting together. He always believed it was better to give than to receive.

The family would like to extend a happy holiday, to the staff at Togus VA Hospital, who took such wonderful care of Roland. We thank you for the many special things you did for Roland and family members, to make things less painful.