Walter W. Fortier, 94, formerly of Chocorua Village, died Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at Mineral Springs of North Conway following a period of declining health. 

Walter was born March 5, 1922 in Chocorua.  He was the last surviving child of eleven born to Nellie and Albert Fortier.   After graduating from Tamworth High School in 1940, he became certified as a machine tool operator at Pratt & Whitney in Hartford, Connecticut, where he enjoyed Frank Sinatra and big-band concerts on Friday nights.  He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942, joining five of his brothers serving at the same time during World War II.   He attained the rank of Master Sergeant and was honorably discharged in 1946. 

He worked for the state Department of Transportation from 1946-1961 but is best remembered as the Chocorua Postmaster from 1961 to 1989.  By all accounts, his customer service and friendliness was second to none.  Children and dogs could count on a treat, and no package went undelivered on Christmas Eve.  He trained and mentored new postmasters and received numerous awards from the Postal Service for exemplary service.  All this despite becoming totally deaf as a young man.

He was a 50-year member and past Master of Ossipee Valley Masonic Lodge, a Trustee of Runnells Hall in Chocorua, and a lifelong member of Saint Andrews in the Valley Episcopal Church in Tamworth.   He was recognized in 2005 as Chocorua’s Citizen of the Year.

He married the love of his life, his high school sweetheart Florence Welch, in 1943.  Rumor has it that he was frequently in trouble in high school for passing notes to her rather than paying attention.  They enjoyed 63 years of marriage until her passing in 2006. 

Walter is survived by daughter Sally Olson and husband David of Center Conway and daughter Merry Fortier and partner Norma Love of Canterbury.  He is also survived by two grandsons, David Olson II and Matthew Olson, and two great-grandsons, Lucas Olson and Christian Olson.  He was predeceased by a grandson, Jonathan Olson, in 1997. 

Calling hours will be Wednesday, June 8, 2016 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Lord Funeral Home, 50 Moultonville Road, Center Ossipee.  Funeral services will be Thursday, June 9, 2016 at 11 a.m. at St. Andrews in the Valley Episcopal Church, Tamworth.  Burial with military honors will be in Chocorua Cemetery immediately following the funeral. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Community Food Center/Tamworth-Sandwich Food Pantry, PO Box 436, Tamworth, NH  03886.  As one of eleven children, Walter never wanted anyone to go hungry.

If you wish to express condolences or leave a fond memory please visit, www.lordfuneralhome.com.

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