Paul J. Devlin's Obituary
Big Rapids Paul Joseph Devlin, 65, died peacefully in his beautiful Historical apartment in downtown Big Rapids on Monday, December 1, 2008. He was born on September 19, 1943, in Bismarck, North Dakota, son of Robert and Mary (Wallace) Devlin, and lived in Germany as a child. In 1967, Paul received his Masters of Arts degree from the University of Detroit. In that same year he moved to Big Rapids, and worked as an Associate Professor in the Department of Languages and Literature at Ferris State University until his retirement in December of 2007. His friends enjoyed his wit, his exemplary hospitality, extraordinarily good many-course dinners with the best wines, and his never-ending generosity. They walked into another century, Edwardian England, when they visited his apartment. Even after retirement, he was willing to have a small seminar on his beloved Shakespeare, and all were the beneficiaries of his brilliance and knowledge. His parents and his brother Robert preceded Paul in death. Surviving are his two nephews, Alex and Josh Devlin; his friends and acquaintances at Ferris; and the many others who will sorely miss this unique, elegant Renaissance man. Memorial Services will be 11:00 A.M. Thursday, December 4, 2008 at the Centennial Dining Room at the Rankin Center on the campus of Ferris State University, with Chaplain Peter Winkle. Memorial Contributions in Pauls name will be used to establish a scholarship fund for students seeking an English major. Envelopes will be available at the service, or at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids where arrangements are entrusted.
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