The Paul F. Blewett Legacy Funds were established at the Community Foundation of Marquette County in 2010, to provide support to multiple local and regional organizations that Paul cared most about. This year, a total of $128,409.37 was distributed. Following the wishes of the donor, the fund granted to a total of twenty-one organizations this year, including: Ishpeming Ski Club, Salvation Army of Ishpeming, Ishpeming Blue Notes, City of Ishpeming Fireworks, Ishpeming High School Scholarships, Bethany Lutheran Church, Salvation Army of Escanaba, Fortune Lake Bible Camp, Bark River Harris School Scholarships, PBS television at WNMU, Michigan Education Association, American Diabetes Association, National Red Cross, American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, American Heart Association, National Planned Parenthood, National Education Association, The American Civil Liberties Union, NPR Radio, and National Alzheimer’s Association. For more information regarding this fund, please visit www.cfofmc.org.

Born in Ishpeming in 1940, Paul studied at Michigan Technological University and Northern Michigan University, where he received a master’s degree in mathematics. He enjoyed a nearly 43-year career as a math teacher at Bark River-Harris High school. He also gave back as a volunteer and officer in many different education associations, most notably as a member of the Board of Directors for the Michigan Education Association for 24 years. His biggest fulfillment came from seeing the students he taught excel at school and in life. Paul was a lifetime member of the Bethany Lutheran Church in Ishpeming, where he enjoyed taking photographs for weddings and church functions. He died in Marquette in 2009, leaving behind his legacy of giving back to the community and organizations he loved and respected.