Paul John du Vair

Paul Marie Jean Yves DeLaNey du Vair, age 83, died on Sunday, August 22, 2021, of natural causes. He was born in Colmar (Alsace) France on December 14, 1937, the son of the late Pierre and Kathryn (Bussmann) du Vair. He was married to the late Marcia (Halverson) du Vair for 45 years and they were the parents of Suzanne Michelle and Elise Catherine. Paul was educated in France, French Canada and the United States. He served in the Army's 84th Infantry Division. Paul worked at the American Foundation for Biological Research and began his teaching career just prior to the assassination of President Kennedy. He completed 52 years of science instruction to 7,217 students in Reedsburg, Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin. Paul du Vair was a teacher leader. He was elected President of Madison Teachers Inc., Vice President of the Wisconsin Education Association, President of the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC) and served on the Board of Directors of the National Education Association. He was elected to represent the United States at the World Confederation of Teaching Professions and was appointed by Governor Martin Schreiber to represent Wisconsin on the U.S. Education Commission of the United States. Paul also served as the designee of the Speaker of the Wisconsin Assembly to the Citizens Utility Board. Paul du Vair was a distinguished classroom teacher who received numerous citations for his service to students and his profession. He received a Madison School District Distinguished Service Award, the Award of Excellence from CESA District 2, a Herb Kohl Foundation Achievement Award, a Distinguished Service Award from St. Norbert College, an Outstanding Teacher Award from the University of Chicago and two Excellence in Teaching Awards from the Milwaukee School of Engineering. Although Paul was inducted in the Pi Lambda Theta International Honor Society of Educators, his most treasured citation was a "Best Teacher in the World Award" crafted by some of his students. Paul du Vair was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served as President of the Holy Name Society of his church. His audience with Pope St. Paul VI was a highlight of his life. Paul's achievements didn't end there. He received a Class Act Award from WKOW-TV, a Top-Notch Teacher Award from WISC-TV, a Citation from the Madison Common Council, an Outstanding Service Award from the Congressional Youth Leadership Council, a Stewardship of the Lakes Award from the Wisconsin Lakes Association, a Hometown Hero Award from the Wisconsin Legislature and a Martin Luther King Jr. Award from Coretta Scott King for his leadership in the establishment of the Center for Social Change. He received a citation from President Carter for his support of the Panama Canal Treaty, an environmental award from EPA District 5 in Chicago, and Aquatic Biology, a course he created, received an environmental award from President Ronald Reagan. Paul is survived by his daughters, Suzanne du Vair and Elise (Matt) McLimans; by his granddaughter, Caitlin McLimans; by two sisters, Marie Madeleine (Joseph) Bongiorno and Genevieve (Paul) Geiger; and by a legion of nieces and nephews and their offspring. At his request, there will be no visitation and funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Paul’s name to Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral & Cremation Care 2950 Chapel Valley Road (608) 442-5002