A local legend known for spreading joy around the Portland area has had their identity posthumously revealed.

According to the Bangor Daily News, Portland’s “Valentines Day Bandit” was finally revealed by his family as 67-year Kevin Fahrman after his death on Friday. He was known for posting hearts on Portland storefronts and on Fort Gorges every year on February 14th after he took over the tradition from one of his colleagues in 1979.

“There are so many people who benefit from those hearts, and nobody knew,” said close friend of Fahrmans Rachel Guthrie. “We were so good at keeping that secret, the small group of us who knew.”

Fahrman even kept some of the red hearts in his basement. And after his death, his neighbors started lining up red hearts near his home on Route 88 in Falmouth. “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.

He also had a passion for photography and taught at Southern Maine Community College, becoming an inspiration and mentor for young photographers trying to get a start in the business.

He is survived by his wife and three adult daughters. A celebration of life for Fahrman will be held from 2-5 p.m. Tuesday at the Portland yacht club in Falmouth.

To read the original Bangor Daily News article, click here.