1929 – 2016

LEWISTON — John P.B. Fortin, 86, of 14 Janelle St., Lewiston, died peacefully on Saturday, Jan. 2, at his home surrounded by family and friends.

He was born in Lewiston on Nov. 8, 1929. He was the son of Arthur and Delia Bolduc Fortin. Educated in local schools, he was a graduate of Edward Little High School, Class of 1950. John was a dad’s dad, spending all of his free time making sure his family had all they needed. He taught his boys about camping, hiking, hunting and fishing. He taught them about every sport he knew and always made time to play with them no matter how many hours he was working at his jobs. He will be dearly missed.

After being discharged from the Air Force, John became a Lewiston police officer. He held numerous positions on the force: beat officer, identification officer, sergeant, and retired in 1977 after 23 years as a lieutenant. After retirement, he began his second career, of 19 years, working for the Hall & Knight Hardware company, where he quickly became one of the company’s top salesmen. His sense of honesty and his good sense of humor made him a favorite with all of his clients. He was a lifelong member of Holy Cross Church and also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

John is survived by his wife of 63 years, Claudette; his oldest son, Douglas and his wife, Terri, and their three children, Kristin, Meghan and Conor of Hingham, Mass.; his youngest son, Marc and his wife, Nancy, and their two children, Katherine and Emily of Winthrop; his middle son, Richard and his wife, Joanne of Fort Kent. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren, Emelyn, Oisin, Will and Aila.

Condolences and a video tribute may be accessed online at www.albert-burpee.com.