Michael Rene Fortier
Contoocook, NH –
Michael Rene Fortier, 71, of Contoocook, New Hampshire passed into the
arms of welcoming angels on August 30, 2025, following a courageous
and inspiring battle against an unexpected brief illness.
He was born the son of Kenneth S. and Eleanor (Faretra) Fortier in
Concord (NH) Hospital on November 23, 1953. He grew up working
alongside his dad in his pharmacy and graduated from Concord High
School and Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, NH.
Starting with a single small job, he and his wife, Donna built Team
Fortier Construction, a very successful general contracting business,
from scratch with his peerless reliability, quality workmanship, and
honor. Donna and Mike’s son, Tony, will continue to run the company
together to carry on Mike’s legacy.
His workdays began with early morning meetings with team supervisors
to plan progress on numerous projects. Then he would joyfully climb
into his Team Fortier Construction boss truck with his beloved son,
Tony, sharing the load to tour jobsites throughout New Hampshire and
Massachusetts.
Mike was larger than life. Mere words and pictures cannot do justice
or capture the special warm comfort of being in the presence of this
hugely good natured and loving man – but all who met and knew him
understand. He radiated connection and never met a stranger, making
friends easily and often wherever he went. Then he held them fast and
long.
He loved traveling with his wife, Donna, including many trips to the
Caribbean and especially Aruba. He was an excellent athlete, and an
especially superb golfer. He loved playing for the athletic challenge
and the special camaraderie he shared with his golfing friends. He
took golfing trips, including to Florida and a special annual fall
trip with 27 others to Maine’s Sebago Lake.
He was a world class family man, including as a loving husband and
partner to his beloved Donna and as a devoted son, father,
grandfather, brother, and uncle as well as with his extended family of
great friends, many of whom similarly cherished their relationships.
He is survived by the love of his life and wife, Donna; sons Tony
Fortier (wife Liz), Brian Rice (wife Christie), and Jason Rice (fiancé
Nicole); fourteen grandchildren; Brother Kenneth J. Fortier of Chapel
Hill, NC; Sister, Sally Hayslip of Canterbury, NH; numerous other
relatives and a huge extended family of loving and loved friends.
He was predeceased by his parents; his sister Marjorie Sullivan of
Northford, CT; brother-in-law’s Skip Hayslip of Canterbury, NH, and
David Sullivan of Northford, CT.
Among his legacies was his inspiring courage, wisdom, and maturity
during his sudden final illness. He will be missed by many and leaves
all who knew him with the enduring inspiration to savor each day and
to love each other well to honor him and emulate his special loving
connection with people and life.
The family extend their deep gratitude for the expertise and kindness
of those who supported Mike and the family during this time including
(but not limited to) home hospice nurse Laurel Corson, Susan Crush,
Pearl Stranger, and Joe Furr and the compassionate team at the Granite
VNA Hospice House in Concord.
A celebration of life event will be held at the family’s convenience.