J. Raymond Fortin

J. Raymond Fortin 

1927 – 2018

Madison -  J. Raymond  " Papa" Fortin passed away peacefully at the Maplecrest Living Center in Madison on February 2, 2018 with his family by his side. 

Raymond was born on March 15, 1927 at the family home on Spring Street in Madison. Papa was the middle child of five born to the late Joseph and Eva Dionne Fortin. Raymond quit school after the seventh grade to find work to assist the family during tough financial times. After doing odd jobs for a short while he began a 44 year career in the pulp and paper industry. He truly enjoyed going to work every day. 

Raymond married Patricia Grenier on June 25 1949 in Madison. They were married for 61 years until her passing on May 23, 2010. Raymond was a loving and devoted husband and father caring for his wife for a number of years as she battled Alzheimer's, allowing her to remain at home. 

Raymond’s pride and joy were his two Grandsons retiring early at age 62 to spend time with them. The Boys knew him as Papa and that new name followed him for the remainder of his life. He attended hundreds of ballgames to watch them participate, not missing a game. Papa taught them all of his tricks and trades! 

Raymond learned to work at a young age and it continued throughout his life. He always had a project to work on. Spending time in his vegetable garden to compete with the neighbors on who could grow the first red tomato of the summer was a top priority.  Those tomatoes turned into his special dynamite sauce, canning over 100 quarts each year. He was always available to help his many friends as well as his family. Raymond enjoyed the family camps at Embden and Jackman. The annual fishing trip to Canada with his son and grandsons always produced memories. Playing cards with friends for a relaxing enjoyable evening. Raymond had a rare sense of humor with a quick wit for bantering. He would always leave you with a smile on your face.   

Raymond was predeceased by his wife Patricia; his sister Alberta and her husband Howard Snell; Brothers, Roland; Ernest and wife Beverly; Walter and wife Althea; brother-in-law Paul Grenier; sister-in-law Pauline Daigle and husband David. 

He is survived by his son Paul R. Fortin and his fiancé Paula Sansouci of Madison; his grandson Jonathan Fortin and wife Cassie and great grandson Jack of Winslow; grandson Robert and wife Emma and great granddaughter Natalie of Woburn Ma.; sister-in-law’s, Carol Grenier of Gastonia N. C.; Jean Fortin of Skowhegan; Patty Fortin of Sarasota Florida; and many nieces and nephews that he always looked forward to seeing.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on April 28, 2018 at St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Madison. Burial will take place on May 9, 2018. in St. Sebastian Cemetery

In lieu of flowers those who wish may make a donation to the Town of Madison playground fund for the “Fortin Family Park”, c/o Town of Madison, 26 Weston Avenue, Madison, Maine 04950.

The family wishes to thank the staffs of the Redington Home in Skowhegan Maine and Maplecrest Living Center in Madison Maine. In particular a special thank you to Sarah and Cindy who were there for all 4 years Papa was at Maplecrest. Papa thought the world of both of you.

Arrangements are by Giberson Funeral Home, 40 Maple Street, Madison.

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