1940 – 2014

MECHANIC FALLS — Paul E. Fortin, 74, of Mechanic Falls, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 6, at home with his family by his side, after a brief battle with cancer.

Paul was the oldest child born to Joseph and Elise Fortin on March 3, 1940, in Lewiston. Paul grew up and was educated in the Lewiston-Auburn area.

Paul met his beautiful wife, Sandra Diamant, and they were married on April 15, 1961. Together, they built their home and family, and celebrated 53 years of marriage.

Paul enjoyed every day of the 41 years he spent working for Callahan Brothers/Reed & Reed Construction. He progressed from truck driver to crane operator and eventually to project superintendent, building many bridges throughout Maine and New Hampshire. Paul retired on Dec. 31, 2002, and began his second career as a master inventor/craftsman.

Paul could always be found in his workshop, where he could use metal and wood to create or improve anything. Paul would teach anyone who asked how to build or repair something, and would ensure that it was done to the “Paul Fortin Quality of Excellence.”

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Paul loved to laugh; he always had a joke to tell. Paul kept his family close. He could often be heard singing, “I Don’t Know Why I Love You Like I Do” to his grandchildren or proudly sharing his children’s accomplishments to everyone who would listen. He was especially happy to have met and held his youngest grandson born in July.

Paul is survived by his wife, Sandra, of Mechanic Falls; daughter, Kelly MacKinnon, of Auburn; son, Shawn Fortin and wife, April, of Deltona, Fla.; grandchildren, Ashley Roberts and husband, Paul, Lindsey Kaichen and husband, Ryan, Kailey Fortin, Joseph Fortin, Abigail Fortin and Isaac Fortin; and a great-grandson, Drew Kaichen. He is also survived by his sister, Laura Carver and husband, John; his brother, Lewis Roderick and wife, Shiela; and several in-laws, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; his son, Paul E. Fortin II; and a great-granddaughter.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.


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