Renald "Ron" Fortier

BARRE-Renald “Ron” Fortier passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 8, 2025. Ron was born on November 18, 1943 in Maple Grove, Quebec. He grew up in a world that few people today can remember having lived on a farm deep in the Quebec countryside without electricity and traveling to town by horse and buggy. His early life was lived close to the land which led him to become the consummate outdoorsman and nature lover that his family and friends adored.


At 19, Ron struck out for Barre, Vermont in one of the final waves of French-Canadian immigration to the state. He was hired at Desilets Granite in Montpelier where he specialized in sandblasting monuments and rose to become foreman during his almost 40-year career. Ron was proud of his work and his association with the venerable granite industry.


On one of his visits back home, Ron met Denise (Huppé) Fortier at a country dance. The tall redhead struck his fancy and the two were married in Disraeli, Quebec in 1965. The couple settled on Tamarack Lane in Barre Town, where they lived for 50 years. The couple was welcomed by the French-Canadian community in Barre and most of their strongest friendships grew out of this treasured association.


Ron had two children, Steve Fortier and Karine (Fortier) Marineau. Proud of his French heritage, Ron passed on the language and culture to his children (and grandchildren). As a father, Ron enjoyed teaching Steve the granite trade, outdoors skills and a love of maple sugaring. Ron loved berry picking with Karine and cheering on her softball career. As a husband, Ron loved his wife deeply and honored her strength and independent spirit. Ron’s big heart also extended to his grandchildren with whom he enjoyed spending time sharing the things he loved.


Ron was first and foremost an outdoorsman. He was never happier than when he was in the woods. Whether it was one of many moose hunts, picking chanterelles, tapping trees, or cutting firewood; Ron was meant to be outdoors. He was a proud member of the Checkpoint camp in Stannard and Tom Koch’s camp in Ferdinand held a special place in his heart.


Ron was a social and civic-minded individual. He participated actively in Boy Scouts for decades, rising to the rank of Silver Beaver and overseeing Eagle Scout boards of review. Many lifelong friendships grew out of this important in his life. Ron was a proud member of numerous social clubs including the St. Jean’s club, the Canadian Club and the Mutuo, where he loved serving meals and playing pitch with his friends.


Ron’s generosity and kind heart touched a lot of people, and he always made folks laugh with his quirky jokes and funny stories. He will be remembered for his French-Canadian pride, his love of the outdoors, and his benevolent spirit.


Ron is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Denise (Huppé) Fortier, his son Steve and his wife Hope (Crawford) Fortier of Oak Island, NC; his daughter Karine (Fortier) Marineau and her husband Seth Marineau of East Barre; and his brother, Victor Fortier of Manchester, NH and his sisters Gabrielle Fortier of St. Ferdinand, QC and Lucy Fortier of Victoriaville; and a rich extended family in both Vermont and Canada. His grandchildren, Lance & Alex Fortier and Camille & Solenne Marineau will also miss him greatly.


Calling hours will be held at Pruneau-Polli funeral home, 58 Summer Street in Barre from 2:00-3:00pm on Saturday, June 28,2025, followed by a graveside ceremony at Hope Cemetery and a reception.

Arrangements are in the care of Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home in Barre.
Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at: www.pruneaupollifuneralhome.com