John Norman Cormier

FARMINGTON – If you are thinking of raising a glass of wine in John’s honor, please do. John Norman Cormier left us suddenly and unfairly too soon on the morning of August 31. A winemaker, former firefighter, veteran, outdoorsman, and a man with many plans.

Born in Rumford to Joanne and Norman on Dec. 16, 1961, he tested the waters before welcoming his two sisters, Diane and Paula. While not a fan of school, he did have many adventures as a military firefighter in the U.S. Air Force, mostly serving in Belgium. After the Air Force, he was a State of Maine firefighter for 12 years while being a member of the Air National Guard at the Bangor base. He was also a volunteer firefighter for the Princeton ME FD for 10 years.

He readily admitted to not working well with some bosses, so becoming his own boss made sense. In 2001, he opened Kennebec Home Brew Supplies and managed two locations in Farmingdale and Farmington. He soon opened Wild Fern Winery in Farmington. He loved his customers dearly, mostly the women, and he very much provided a place for a good “hanging out”.

In 1985, he met Patty, a UMaine student who tried to study with him around. He always said he knew he was going to marry her the minute he saw her while enjoying a rounded bowl of spaghetti. So they tested things out for five months hiking the Appalachian Trail, figuring if they could survive that, they certainly should marry. They were married in a quiet service in 1986. His terms of endearment for her often included “bunny” and “Bum.”

John’s happy places were in the woods with Patty, friends, and family, discovering the natural world, and visiting Baxter State Park. He had a soft heart, was truly humble, didn’t like too much attention, and had a special compassion for animals.

He leaves behind many dear friends, family, and acquaintances; too many to list. He was predeceased by his mother and father, and is survived by his wife, Patty (Minnehan); sisters Paula Moran of Lansdale, Pa., and Diane Cormier of Bangor; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and more. John had a heart of gold and a love and acceptance of all.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the EMS, Farmington Fire Rescue and the Farmington Police Department, for their compassion, and tireless efforts.

The family invites relatives and friends to a memorial visitation at the Wiles Remembrance Center, 137 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington on Tuesday, September 9 from 5-7 pm with a time of sharing of comments at 7 pm led by Rev. Rick Dorian. Private family interment will be at Fairview Cemetery in Farmington.

Memories can be shared in his Book of Memories at http://www.wilesrc.com.

In lieu of flowers,

please donate to:

Farmington Fire Rescue

153 Farmington Falls Rd.

Farmington, ME 04983 or:

Franklin County

Animal Shelter

550 Industry Rd.

Farmington, ME 04938