Paul Wack

This coming Monday it will be 6 years since Paul died, but his impact on the lives of all those who knew him will live forever. On difficult teaching days I still think, "What would Paul Wack do?", and commit my teaching to his memory.

I didn't have Mr. Wack as an English teacher when I went to Niles West High School, but I did hear of his passing from friends who knew him. I am currently teaching English at Niles West High School. My students read Tuesdays With Morrie, and for a final project, they had to interview their mentor about who mentored them in life. One of my students interviewed her brother, and her brother explains how Mr. Wack was his mentor because he was wise, selfless, caring, and empowering. I am not sure...

Mr. Wack was my teacher for College Prep at Niles West in 2005. I remember him as being an incredibly intelligent person, was supportive of all the students, and just had a smile on his face every single day. I could tell that he truly enjoyed helping all of us. For our first day when the entire class was introducing ourselves, part of it included what cars we drove. I mentioned that I drove a Chevy Monte Carlo, which led to him telling a story involving a sandwich called the Monte...

I remember Mr. Wack as a really friendly, caring, teacher at West and I send my condolences.

Catherine and Marina, I'm so sorry to learn about this. I'm George Mabley's mom, Delores, and for some inexplicable reason, I was just thinking of Marina this evening. I couldn't even remember her last name at first, and then I did, and looked her up...only to see this sad news.

My thoughts are with you both. So long ago, and a few lifetimes in the past, but yours was one of the nicest families I met in Evanston. I wish you well.

In one of Paul's many "favorite" books there is a fragment titled, "A Profession of Faith." "Yes, indeed: however hurt and shattered one might be, one can always find contemporaries anywhere in time, and compatriots anywhere in space. And wherever this happens, and for as long as it lasts, one is lucky to feel one is something in the infinite loneliness of the universe: something more than a ridiculous speck of dust, more than just a fleeting moment." (The Book of Embraces, Eduardo...

AExtending my heartfelt condolences to Catherine and Marina for the passing of your beloved Paul. May the love of family, friends, and Gods promise to wipe the tears from your eyes carry you through your grief. You are in our thoughts.

Catherine and Marina, Our thoughts and prayers are with both of you during this difficult time. God bless you and your family. Peg & Bill Palmer, Mary Kate, Maggie, Colleen and Billy