Portage Lake--- Dennis J. Tardie, 26, died unexpectedly on March 15, 2014. He was born July 22, 1987 in Presque Isle, a son of Terri Sturgeon and Gerald Tardie. He graduated from Ashland Community High School in 2005. Dennis worked as a kiln operator with Frasier Timber, Ashland. He loved his work and aimed to be hard-working and dependable. He enjoyed anything involving NASCAR and cheered for his favorite driver, #14, Tony Stewart. Dennis also enjoyed spending time with his younger brother, puttering around in the garage on various engine or car projects, or going on family snowmobile rides. Dennis is survived by: his father, Gerald Tardie of Portage Lake; his mother, Terri Sturgeon of Nashville Plt.; a brother, Matthew Tardie of Portage Lake; his maternal grandfather, Dwight Sturgeon of Presque Isle; an uncle, Dwight Sturgeon, Jr. of Masardis; a special cousin, Amber Sturgeon of Bristol, CT; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He is predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Herman and Evelyn (Theriault) Tardie, and his maternal grandmother Arlene (Porter) Sturgeon. A funeral service will be held at 3 PM on Sunday, March 23, 2014 at the Masardis Pentecostal Church, 1306 Garfield Rd., Masardis, with Pastor Donald Morton officiating. Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family from 1 PM until the time of service on Sunday at the church. Burial will be in the spring at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are entrusted to Lajoie Funeral Home-Ashland, 114 Exchange St., Ashland, ME.