Gilles Paul FortinHighgate Springs, Vermont - Gilles Paul Fortin, age 84 years, a lifelong Highgate Springs resident, died early Sunday morning January 13, 2013, at his Fortin Road residence with his wife and all of his children at his side.
Born at home in Highgate Springs, Gilles was the son of the late Alfred and Eleanore (Bouchard) Fortin. He attended the former Saint Anne's Academy and on June 14, 1952, was married the former Angele Letourneau who predeceased him in 1987 following 34 years of marriage. On August 18, 1988, he married Jeannine Leduc who survives him.
As a very successful farmer Gilles spent all of his working life operating the family dairy farm and in later years after turning the reigns over to his son, he continued to have a keen interest in the farm's everyday operation. He was a lifelong and faithful parishioner of The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and belonged to the Knights of Columbus, Fourth Degree Assembly 2207 as well as the St. Edmund of Canterbury Council 7669 in Swanton. He was also a member of the Sons of the American Legion, Green Mountain Post 1 in St. Albans.
In addition to his wife Jeannine of 24 years, Gilles leaves his daughter, Susan Fortin of Colchester; six sons and their spouses, Daniel and Karen of Highgate Springs, Richard and Carol of Highgate Springs, Guy and Tamara of Carolina, RI. Gilbert of Fairfax , Robert and Bee Gee of Highgate Springs and Allen and Karen of Highgate Center; three sisters, Gisele Mienka of Leeds, MA, Gaetane Fortin of Northampton, MA and Marthe Brisson of Ontario; a sister-in-law, Doris Fortin of Holyoke, MA; 12 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Also surviving are Jeannine's children, Diane Sawyer and husband Tom of North Conway, NH, Gail Graham and husband Jim of Cape Cod, MA, Kim and Kathy Duggento of Georgia, VT, Dana Duggento of Grand Isle and her eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Besides his parents and his wife Angele, Gilles was predeceased by three sisters, Sister Agnes Fortin, Daughters of the Holy Spirit, Sister Constance Fortin, Soeur Grise of Montreal, Yvette McCann and two brothers, Yves and Roger Fortin. He was also predeceased by a grandson, Kyle Fortin.
The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday January 18, 2013, at 11 a.m. from The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 65 Canada St., Swanton. Fr. Leopold J. Bilodeau will be the celebrant and homilist. The Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the Fortin family lot in St. Mary's Roman Catholic Cemetery.
Friends may call at The Kidder Memorial Home, 89 Grand Ave., Swanton on Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m.
Gifts in Gilles memory may be made to Missisquoi Valley Rescue, P.O. Box 22, Swanton 05488
To offer private online condolences please visit:
www.kiddermemorialhome.com
