LEWISTON — Richard Edwin Fortier, 51, of Lewiston lost his courageous three year battle with cancer on Aug. 14. Richard passed away peacefully to join his beloved sister, Susan Ann Marie Fortier, who died in a tragic automobile accident only one month ago.

Richard was born March 26, 1961, the fourth of seven children born of the late Renaud and Jane Fortier. Raised in his country home, he loved the outdoors and the time he spent with his brothers and sister playing cards, fishing, hunting and working in the family garden. As a youngster, he attended Sacred Heart School and was a 1979 graduate of St. Dominic Regional High School.

Upon his high school graduation, he was hired at Diamond Machine. Now known as the Systems Logistic Co., Richard was with the company for 30 years; first an inventory controller and then was promoted to production control coordinator until his illness forced him into early retirement.

A member of the Prince of Peace Parish at Holy Family Church, Richard was a die-hard New England Patriots fan, never missing an opportunity to watch them play. As much as he enjoyed football and his new-found interest in NASCAR racing, nothing could compare to his passion for hot air balloons. Each year he would be up at dawn to enjoy the annual Balloon Festival, where he would pick out a favorite balloon and become an unofficial chaser.

Richard touched the lives of many people with his quiet smile and his never ending generosity.

He maintained his trademark chuckle till the end and he will forever be remembered by his loving brothers, Michael and wife, Susan, Ronald and wife, Kim, Robert, Donald and Raymond; nieces and nephews, Deneka and husband, Gard Deletetsky, Tiffany Lebrun, Serena Fortier, Danielle and Derek Fortier, Nicole Fortier, and Justin and wife, Brittany Fortier, Amanda Fortier, and an especially close niece, Jessica and husband, Justin Smith; treasured great-nieces/nephews, Madilynne Smith, Aubrey Fortier and Zane Deletetsky; and his very devoted friends, Marie and Al Roy and their family for their endless love and support.

The family wishes to thank the nursing staff at CMMC who gave him dignity and respect in his final days.

Online condolences may be shared at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com.