1926 – 2014

LEWISTON — Fernand J. Forgues, 87, of Lewiston, passed away Thursday morning, May 1, at the Hospice House.

He was born in Lewiston on Sept. 27, 1926, a son of Philippe and Marie Forgues, and was educated in local schools. Fern served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He worked as head of maintenance at The Holiday Inn in Auburn and Waterloo, Iowa. When he returned to Maine, he worked as head of maintenance at Tall Pines apartments for 20 years, retiring in 1987.

He married Cecile C. Cote on March 23, 1973. He was a wonderful stepfather to her four children. Fern and Cecile shared several passions. Together, they developed beautiful flower gardens, which were showcased as part of the Lewiston-Auburn garden tours. They also loved their Sunday drives looking for antiques. They enjoyed creating crafts for all the different holidays, especially for Christmas. They both liked collecting all kinds of memorabilia — old and new. His true passion was to buy old buildings and renovate them in and out. He was a hard worker, and was a very giving and honest man. He loved to help people in need.

He will be sadly missed by his wife, Cecile C. Forgues; and his stepchildren, Christine M. Dupuis of Florida, Jane V. Arenson and her husband, Jim, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Elaine M. Fournier and her husband, Leroy, of Lewiston and Mickey A. Cote and his wife, Tracy, of Durham. Fern and Cecile have 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

Fern was predeceased by his parents and four brothers.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice House and Clover Health Care.

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