Paul Fortin

Paul Edward Fortin, Colonel U.S. Air Force (USAF) (ret), Ph.D. Electrical Engineering, passed away on July 22, 2023, in Topeka, Kansas. Paul was born August 21, 1930, in Newburyport, Massachusetts. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1953 from the Virginia Military Institute. Following graduation, he was commissioned into the U.S. Air Force (USAF). While serving in the USAF, Paul earned his Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Oklahoma State in 1965 and his Doctorate in Electrical Engineering from Denver University in 1970. He retired after serving 30 years in the USAF with the rank of Colonel as a highly decorated veteran.

After military retirement, in 1980 he began a second career with the University of Kansas School of Engineering as a professor of electrical engineering and aerospace engineering. He taught at the Kansas University Lawrence Campus, Kansas University satellite campus in Kansas City, and Fort Leavenworth Command and General Staff College.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years – Jane (Bock) Fortin, his children David Fortin, Joan (Fortin) Peterson, Suzanne Fortin and John Fortin.

A memorial service will be held November 11, 2023, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Topeka, KS.