Craig Robb Ducat
May 05, 1944 - September 02, 2017
Obituary
DEKALB, IL- Craig Robb Ducat, 73, of DeKalb, IL, died peacefully among friends on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017 in Madison, WI, of complications related to tonsillar cancer. He was born in Rochester, NY, the son of George Robb Ducat and Ruth Ardella Kern, and raised in early childhood by his paternal grandparents. He received his B.A. from Syracuse University, and his master’s degree and Ph.D. (1970) from the University of Minnesota. From 1970 until his retirement in 2002, he was a professor of Political Science at Northern Illinois University, where he taught courses in criminal and constitutional law, presidential and parliamentary systems, Canadian and British government and politics, and the Nuremberg Trials. Teaching was Craig’s passion: he was three times awarded NIU’s Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award, and in 1995 was named a Presidential Teaching Professor, the university’s highest recognition for teaching. He authored numerous articles and books, most notably Constitutional Interpretation, of which he published ten editions (the first two with Harold W. Chase) from 1974 to 2015, including over 35 annual supplements. He was predeceased by his parents and is survived by his cousins, Lynette Bolger, Flora (Jack) Holt, and Mary Tarver (all of Rochester, NY), and Betty Gilmore (of New Hampshire). Cremation has taken place, and his remains will be interred in the family plot in Rochester. A memorial service will be held in DeKalb at a later date. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that donations be made in his memory to: the ACLU; Glimmerglass Opera in Cooperstown, NY; or the American Red Cross, for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma relief. Online condolences may be made at gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608)442-5002
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Memories
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Buffiebolger
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I am Craig's first cousin once removed. My mother is Lynette Bolger, Craig's first cousin. I hardly knew Craig but my mother Lynette has always thought of him as a brother. She will miss him terribly and I will miss hearing about his yearly visits to her. I am honored to have had such a bright, energetic and loving cousin. Craig you will be sorely missed.
Buffie Bolger
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Frederick Peltz
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Fred and Nancy Peltz wish to offer our deepest sympathy on the loss of Craig. Craig was a friendly, interesting and jovial character whom both of us knew professionally but more so Craig was just an outstanding human being. We were out of the country and just learned of his passing. We will miss him!
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Allan Wichelman
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As a teaching assistant at the University of Minnesota Political Science Department during the Vietnam war years, Craig was an inspiration to all of us, even as we sometimes disagreed with his views. He made the world a better place.
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David Gottlieb
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As I’m siting watching CNN pundits contemplate an issue before the Supreme Court I started thinking about one of my favorite professors, Craig R. Ducat. Upon Googling his name I saw his obituary and I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Ducat’s passing. I had him for 4 courses in Constitutional Law while I was at NIU for my BA and then my MPA (1969-1973, 1973-1975) and he was a wonderful teacher. He had a real enthusiasm for constitutional law and he took a sincere interest in the needs of his students. It’s now forty five years since I was in Dr. Ducat’s classroom and it’s a testament to this man that I still recall him with great fondness.
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John Quattrocki
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Best teacher I ever had: 1.) Con Law, Property Rights; 2.) Con Law, Personal Rights - ‘75 - ‘76 at NIU. Rest In Peace, Craig.
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Charles Regini
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Wow, just happened to Google his name with all th drama around the Supreme Court and January 6th Hearing and sad to see he’s passed. My favorite NIU professor, I took every class he taught. He helped me with multiple reference letters and was such a smart and personable man. The world lost a great one.