Wilfred Fortin

Sidney - Wilfred Lawrence Fortin, age 75, passed away in the early morning hours of June 3rd, 2024, at MaineMedical Center in Portland, of heart failure. Wilfred was born the eldest child of Gerard and Vivian (Oakes) Fortin of Winslow.

Wilfred, also known as Willy or Red, attended Winslow schools. He enlisted in the Navy and served his country from 1967 to 1972. He served both in the states and overseas in the Navy Seabees as a Heavy Equipment Operator.

Willy grew up in Winslow, on the dairy farm and the homestead. He loved working with cattle and working on the farm. He loved all aspects of the day-to-day running of the farm, from feeding the cattle to taking in the crops and working the land. He especially loved driving tractors and trucks during hay season. Whenever you would see him drive the tractor, he always had a big smile on his face.

Willy worked various jobs in the area, but mostly for the family business, Fortin’s Meat Market, in Winslow. He worked various jobs, both in the processing plant and retail store.

Willy was a huge fan of NASCAR and the New England Patriots. He loved fast cars, hot rods and of course football. His biggest joy was watching and supporting his two grandsons playing football for the Winslow Black Raiders. He was one of their biggest fans and rarely missed a game.

He was predeceased by his parents, a niece Melina Paradis, all his uncles, all but three aunts, and several cousins.

He is survived by his daughter Lisa Folsom and her husband Robert of Winslow, his grandsons Travis Reed and his fiancée Savanna Cormier of Vassalboro, and Tyler Folsom of Winslow; his five sisters, Norma Fortin of Bangor, Mary Wilkinson of San Antonio, TX, Irene Fortin of Quincy, MA, Susan Dwyer of Raleigh, NC, Frances Rasmussen and her husband Erik of Brevard, NC, and brother John Fortin and his wife Debbie of Winslow.

He is also survived by his longtime companion Lorraine Levasseur, her son Michael and his wife Amy, all of Sidney, close friends Jay and Debbie Ainslie of Sidney, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews, and more friends. He had a huge family, both blood related and found.

There will be a graveside ceremony with military honors on June 29th, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove Street, Waterville. Immediately following the burial, a Celebration of Life will be held at the Best Western Plus, O’Brien’s Event Center, 375 Main Street, Waterville. All are welcome to join us in celebrating his life and sharing memories of the good times shared.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Wilfred’s memory to:

Winslow High Football and Cheering Boosters, 20 Danielson Street, Winslow, ME 04901, memo line – Lisa Folsom

or

The LifeFlight Foundation, P.O. Box 859, Augusta, ME 04330, memo line – Wilfred Fortin or online at Donate | LifeFlight of Maine (lifeflightmaine.org) with Wilfred Fortin in the “In Memory Of” section.