Michael Rene Fortier

1953 - 2025

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.