Daniel John Fortin
April 16, 1948 ~ January 17, 2024
Resided in:
South Portland, Maine
South Portland- Daniel J. Fortin, 75, of Thadeus Street, died peacefully on Wednesday, January 17th, 2024 with his loving family by his side.
Daniel was born on April 16th, 1948 in Sault Ste. Marie, MI the son of the late William and Della Fortin. He graduated from Sault Ste. Marie High School with the class of 1966. After high school, Daniel enlisted and served in the United States Coast Guard. He was stationed at halfway Rock light station in Casco Bay for two years, and then served on the Coast Guard Cutter Yankton as an engineer cutting ice on the Kennebec River.
It was during his time at Halfway Rock light station that he met the love of his life, Diane E. Bixler. They were married at the South Portland Methodist Church on November 1st, 1969.
Dan worked several small jobs before going to work for Hannaford Bros. as a warehouseman, a career that lasted for 32 years before ill health forced him to retire early.
Dan loved the outdoors, he was an avid fisherman on both fresh and salt water. He loved to charter fishing trips on Sebago Lake where he enjoyed fishing with his sons and granddaughter. He also loved to go hunting and was a member of the Spurwink Rod & Gun Club. He loved to read and was fascinated by old cars and anything history related.
Dan built the home that he and Diane raised their family in, there was nothing that Dan couldn’t build or fix. He embraced technology, using Facebook on the computer and texting with family and friends. He served on the South Portland Zoning Board, and ran for both School Board and City Council. When his sons were younger, he coached T-ball, baseball and basketball. Dan always wanted to be busy and was never one to sit down. He took great pride in being his granddaughter Delilah’s personal chauffeur to and from school every day, as well as anywhere else she wanted to go.
Dan was predeceased by an infant son, Robert Daniel Fortin in 1980; and a brother Robert Fortin. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Diane Fortin of South Portland; two sons, Rick W. Fortin and his companion Brooke Gingerella of Stratton, ME, Matthew J. and his wife Rebecca of South Portland; granddaughter Delilah Mae Fortin of South Portland; two brothers, Thomas Fortin and his wife Gayle of MI, and Michael Fortin and his wife Cheryl(Lynn) of MI, a sister Jean and her husband David Oberle of MI; sister in law Catherine Ellis of South Portland; and many nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours celebrating Daniel’s life will be held on Friday, January 26th 2024 from 10:00am to 12:00pm at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A service will be held in the chapel at 12:00pm. To view Daniel’s memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com
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Remembering fondly the many long kitchen table conversations with Dan and Diane. Dan had so much to share on current events and I appreciated his multiple views. Also, recalling the shared shenanigans of our boys and Dan as their coach for t-ball and one boat ride when Dan let my little daughter drive his boat in circles.
All my love to you on behalf of the Verhoeven family, Donna, PJ, Ryan, and Emily. XOXO ❤️
My deepest condolences and love to Diane, her children and family.
May the love of family and friends along with memories of the heart be with you.
Diane and family, so sorry to learn of your loss. My deepest condolences 🙏.
Dan an I were friends on Facebook I’m sorry that we never got together but I had many chats with him on Facebook. RIP shipmate!!!
Thinking of you all at this difficult time. Gavin, Nicole (Fortin) Suggitt & Family
Dan was a great friend who was always there when you needed him. All you had to do is call and before you know it he was there. My daughters and I will miss him deeply. I will never forget how he came over my newly bought house in December and helped me rehang my Christmas lights outside because they all fell down. He didn’t even think twice about climbing the ladder and getting the job done. I remember Dan and Diane helping me plant seedling and bulbs that they took from their garden and placed them all around my yard.
He was always fun to be around. I enjoyed the conversations sitting around their kitchen table.
Thank you Dan, for your friendship, love and compassion.
For always being there just at the right moments.
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember you all and Valorie coming to the club on Fridays to sing karaoke and have lots of laughs. The last i I saw you was in Walmart last year sometime. All I can say is, if you are looking for the true meaning of love; it was simple….Dan and Diane were the perfect definition. I am sure Dan is up hanging with Valorie and so many more loved ones looking down on all of you and watching over you. Much love to you Diane and family. My thought and prayers are with you all.
We were so saddened to hear that Dan had passed away. Dan was very special to our gun club. He such a great help with mailing out newsletters and many times when we needed volunteers. We always enjoyed him. He will surely be missed. Much love to his family. We are so sorry for your loss.
Sincerely, Tammy Walter
Vice President
Spurwink Road & Gun Club
Fishing and chatting was our thing ,I will take it from here Dan.You was a honest man that shared his wisdom with meny. Caught my Bigget trout and salmon with you on the boat .I am a better person just knowing you
Rest in Peace my friend !