Charles H. Fortier

    Fortier, Charles H., 70, July 18, 2011.
    SAN DIEGO, CA. – Charles H. Fortier passed away early Monday morning, July 18, 2011 in San Diego, California.
    Charles was born in Houlton on April 11, 1941, son of Viola and James Fortier. He was baptized at St. Mary of the Visitation in Houlton, on January 28, 1955 and graduated from Houlton High School in 1959.
    ‘Chuck’, as he was known by family, was a long-time Navy man who retired from the Navy in 1979 as a Lieutenant. He began his military career in the Maine National Guard, Battery B, 1st AW Battalion 152 in Houlton Maine, in 1957. He enlisted in the Navy upon discharge from the Maine National Guard in 1959. During his 20 year naval career, he earned not only his commission, but the Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation, and the Navy Unit Commendation medals.
    He held degrees in psychology and accounting and was a Certified Public Accountant. He taught at California Community Colleges in San Diego after retiring from the Navy. For a time he also taught at the University of Maine in Presque Isle in the late 1980s. He lived in San Diego for the last 20 years and became a Minister of the Eucharist for the Diocese of San Diego in 1994. His sister, Jean D. Merritt, and his nephew, Chad McAfee, were blessed to have visited him in San Diego prior to his death.
    He is survived by his two sisters, Jean D. Merritt and Muriel E. Powers both of Houlton, Maine, and was predeceased by his brother, Raymond Fortier. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews. Charles never married. Charles’ ashes will be scattered in the sea that he loved and a celebration of life service will be determined at a later date.