A Falmouth man who brought joy to many as Portland’s Valentine’s Day bandit has finally been revealed.
Kevin Fahrman, 67, passed away Friday, and his family decided it was time for the community to know that Fahrman was the elusive bandit.
For decades, he put large red hearts on Fort Gorges and Portland storefronts and landmarks every year on Feb. 14.
Close friend Rachel Guthrie, who worked with Fahrman years ago, said he touched countless lives.
“There are so many people who benefit from those hearts, and nobody knew,” Guthrie said. “We were so good at keeping that secret, the small group of us who knew.”
Guthrie said one of Fahrman’s colleagues started the heart tradition in 1976, but Fahrman took over in 1979. His basement is still filled with the red hearts, and neighbors on Route 88 in Falmouth have started lining the street with them in his honor.
“It was just a reflection of Kevin sharing his love. He was all about that, making people feel like they were loved and special and unique. He didn’t use those words. He did it with his actions,” Guthrie said.
Fahrman touched countless lives, not only as the Valentine’s Day bandit, but also as a photographer chronicling life events, like his daughter’s love of sailing with SailMaine. He also taught at Southern Maine Community College and mentored young photographers trying to get a start in the business.
He leaves behind a wife and three adult children. A celebration of life for Fahrman will be held from 2-5 p.m. Tuesday at the Portland Yacht Club in Falmouth.
This article appears through a media partnership with Maine Public.
