Jean-Brice Wallon Obituary

pour la lumière, pour TA lumière

I met jean brice while on a trip in the sudan in the eighties. we met a few time again, he visited me in eastern france and me in paris. I remember visiting his art studio near bastille. very fiendly and SIMPLE : in french it's a compliment. Just discovered he's gone two minutes ago as I was doing a google research to know about jean brice's life... avec mes meilleures salutations à sa femme et ses fils

Thinking of your Family. Love, Elia, Dessie and Nick P

This time of year I always get a little sad remembering Jean-Brice. You brought so much joy and love to everything you did. You are missed.

Someone once said that time has the power to heal all wounds, I believe that in some light this is true but only for a physical wound. The tragedy of losing a loved one is huge and time can help but not fully repair the damage. As i sit here and write this Mr. Wallon is running through my head, his humour, teaching ability and willingness to help others. I remember the first day i truly realized how kind and generous he really was and that he would do anything to help me. I was in 5th grade and we were working on our FLAMES CITY project and i had casts on both my feet and thats when he picked me up and carried me all around the exposition. One thing he use to tell me all the time and i still remember to this day and think about everyday is "Taylor i expect nothing but greatness from you, because you are extraordinary". That is when i realized that he was one of the most amazing people i had ever met. He knew that i was not very good at art but that did not hold him back from teaching me, for him i would try my best so that i could show him that i can achieve greatness.
I still am saddened by his loss and miss him very much and keep him in my thoughts constantly. My love goes out to his family, know that you are very loved.

I was at the Lycée Français de Chicago from 1997 to 2000.
It may not sound original, but was the best art/technologie teacher I've ever had. He opened my eyes to alot of life's attributes such as nature, fellowship and respect and also, as silly as it may be, he made me discover the delicious "poivrons farcies". He had and still has a special place in my heart as well as all of the teachers of my former Lycée Francais experience. All my support to his familly and friends.

With kind love

Mr. Wallon died the year before I would have had him as a teacher, but I still knew him well enough to say that he was an amazing guy. He was kind and fun to be with, and I deeply regret that I was never one of his students.

The internal and external tears that were and are still being shed for Mr. Wallon are deep. His life brought hope into all of ours and he went to the extreme to be all that he could be. He was an exceptional man. He shall always leave an empty gap in us all.

I will never forget the times I had with him...he was my favorite teacher, and a good friend. I miss him dearly.

Dear Wallon family,

Mr. Wallon, a teacher and a father, will be remembered as both, but even more as well. He will be remembered as an encouragement, an excellent art teacher, and a man with much character and creativity. I don't think there will ever be a teacher quite like Mr. Wallon. His sudden dissapearance has such an impact on all of us. He was just such a great man.

I wish you all the best.

Emma Michalak

Experiencing our loved ones moving on before us, often reminds us of how fragile, temporary and precarious life is. But yet there is still much to be grateful for.

Losing someone like our friend Jean-Brice is one of the hardest things and grief is the inevitable price you pay for that love. It is work that can’t be delegated and must be endured. Putting it off, ignoring it or minimizing it, doesn’t help as it will just sit and patiently wait for you.

Grief is not an illness or a condition; it is simply a natural human response to life changing events.

If our heart is wandering as though it is lost, or we’re looking for a north star to find our way back home from this experience, we’ve come to the right place. Perhaps we’re looking for comfort; perhaps it’s strength, direction, or a moment’s escape.

If it is, then maybe this moment we share together will serve as a guide, a rock to stand on, or a moment of peace during the life storms that envelope us.

Just remember Jean-Brice’s presence may have gone, but his memories live on.

I hope coming to honor together our dear friend Jean-Brice that it helps you as much as it’s helped me.

Anyone who has been in Jean-Brice’s presence knows what I mean when I say that when I was with him, I felt like the most important person in the world. We know that it was his incredible kindness that allowed him to show this kind of love for each of us. And, even while we each felt individually loved by Jean-Brice, we also know that Jean-Brice had a particular devotion to three uniquely loved individuals – his wife Alice and his two children Ezra and Gabriel.





Jean-Brice did many things in his private life that far outweigh what the public is aware of. The first time I met Jean-Brice, it was fourteen year ago in a small school located in a church on Foster Street. In light of all of his public accomplishments, I feel blessed to have the memories of a man who touched so many people. As time passes, people will remember him as an honoree, an artist, and a teacher. But to the two little children, he will always be remembered as … papa.



In talking with many of you about Jean-Brice it seemed that your expressions could be characterized as examples of how Jean-Brice lived a life full of Faith in people, Hope in the future, and Love for every one



Jean-Brice, I will miss your smile, your humor. I will miss talking with you about Switzerland and Brittany. Jean-Brice had found a second home in his heart, a place to think near Carnarc in Brittany, France. As a Britton myself, we understood each other when we were sharing our Brittany, its sky, its sea, its clouds, its traditions.



Jean-Brice, my dear friend, I will miss you. We will miss you.



Jean-Luc

Il était pas que un prof il était un amis

Dear Wallon Family,

I had the pleasure of working with Jean Brice through Otherwise Incorporated. He had a wonderful and passionate spirit. His love for the arts and for children were so evident. I am so sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed.

Jean Brice was the best art teacher anyone could ever hope to have, he always influenced us, never said 'die', and it feels so different without him, he was really nice and so great. I wish that others could experience his teaching and intelligence in art.

The absence sinks...it is deep and pervasive. The tears are for ourselves, realizing in so many ways that without Jean-Brice, we are lonelier.

Mr wallon,

vous nous manquez a tous. L'ecole semble monotone sans vous pour l'eclairer de votre esprit toujours positif. Nous nous consolons cependant en pensant que vous avez, en 52 ans, eu une plus belle vie que certains en une vie entière. Merci pour les cours d'art particuliers, dans lesquels vous nous avez tant inspirés ainsi que pour le voyage au nouveau mexique ou nous avons pus vous découvrir sous un autre jour que celui professionel. Mes pensées sont a vous et a votre famille.

I am shocked to hear of this news. Jean-Brice Wallon was an amazing teacher with a just as good heart. I hold many memories of his classes and will never forget how much of a good man he was.

Our sincere condolences to Mr Wallon's family. We're going to miss him very deeply for he was such a wonderful man, as a teacher and as a person. Each art/techno class with him was an adventure... We will never forget him.

Dear Alice, Ezra and Gabriel,



I first met Jean-Brice during the summer camp session which I enrolled Taylor (she's now in 7th grade)just prior to her starting the Lycee. He was so calm, caring and listened. It made all the difference to be greeted everyday by him. Years later, I was so excited when he told me that he was going to be a father. I will never forget how excited he was - his eyes were filled with pure joy. I told him he would make a fantastic father, and he was brilliant, a Wallon masterpiece one might say. On many occassions I was in traffic behind him on his way to school. He was dancing in his seat and playing with you boys. To a stranger he probably looked completely crazy, but it made the girls and me laugh. Jean-Brice was definitely a free spirit, and that moment is what I will keep with me always. He was also such a wonderful teacher -- inspirational -- like the absent minded professor. He had a way of making the impossible seem within reach. Taylor loved him. She wasn't in love with art class, but he inspired her to always do her best. She was so proud of the key chain light that she made in Techno class.



We will never forget Jean-Brice, he made our lives brighter. Alice, Ezra and Gabriel, you are in our thoughts and prayers.



Sincerely,

The Hoff Family

So sad to hear that this light in our lives has gone out. I was Ezra and Gabriel's Wiggleworms teacher at the Old Town School, and Jean-Brice regularly came and had a blast,great Dad that he was.Later he hired me to teach the after school guitar ateliers at the Lycee, giving this old rock'n roller a chance to grow as a teacher.I will be forever grateful to him for that.

He was just the coolest guy.Kind,energetic,positive,funny..

.the heart and soul of a true artist,instantly charming...will miss you,JB.

Alice and guys,you are in our thoughts.We extend our deepest sympathy and send our love and comfort to you.

Bless you,Rob Newhouse and family

Alice,



Although I did not have the pleasure of spending alot of time with Jean-Brice, what time I did spend was wonderful. There are few people in this world that I have encountered that always had such a positive, voracious appetite for life and learning. As Brooke's husband at the service so aptly put it, he was indeed "open to the world". I think that speaks volumes about who he was. I was lucky to know him on any level.

To Ezra,



I am sorry that your Dad passed away. I hope you will play soccer with us soon.

Alice, Ezra, and Gabriel,

Our deepest sympathy for your loss of husband and father. Jean-Brice was a wonderful colleague as well as all three of my children's favorite teacher. So talented, creative, energetic, positive, and most of all always kind and caring. We are so sorry. You are in our hearts and prayers.

Madelyn, Monica, Mason, and

Dear Alice, Our love to you and the boys. We will always remember Jean-Brice as the handsome, smiling, kind man he was. Every time we were with him was a pleasure.

Dear Alice, Our love to you and the boys. We will always remember Jean-Brice as the handsome, smiling, kind man he was. Every time we were with him was a pleasure. Mary Jane

I was really shocked when I learned the death of Mr. Wallon. He was one great teacher I had for 8 years since I arrived in Chicago. I remember he was always positive, no matter which situations, he was very creative, he didn't need all the luxury of the world to be happy. In art class, even on the most common object, he could find a beauty, he was passionate of his work and of life. He was a simple man, with a great heart. The sadest thing is that, this year, in late March, the 9th grade class (which I'm part of) went to New Mexico, and it was the time when we started to know him the most. He always liked to try new restaurants, he always enjoyed what he ordered, even if most of us got sick. I'm sure he was a great husband and a great father. All prayers are directed to him and his family.

AYSO Region 418 was saddened to learn that two of our players have lost their father. Our sincerest sympathy.

Dear Wallon Family,



As I look back a the couple of years tht I have had Mr. Wallon as a teacher I learned to love him . He brought such a warm feelinf to the classroom, and made it fun and enjoyable. I will dearly miss him. Mr. Wallon was such a great teacher and now I don't know if our school will ever be the same without him. I wish you all the best.

Mister Wallon was always very nice and kind towards us. He sometimes got a little mad at us but did not do anything bad to us. He was one of the nicest teachers in this school, and one of the only ones who actually cared for us. We really liked him and he still remains the best art/techno teacher ever. We say all of this as students and friends of mister Wallon.

Toutes mes condoléances à la famille de mon collègue Jean-Brice,

Avant de penser à la perte pour notre école que représente son si brutal départ, je ne peux m'empêcher de penser à vous Alice et à ses deux garçons adorés de lui.

Jean-Brice était un moteur d'inspiration et un créateur plein d'idées.

C'était aussi devenu un ami avec qui je partageais certains de mes déjeuners au "p'ti mexicain du coin".

Jean-Brice tu laisses un grand vide.

Toutes mes pensées et mes prières pour toi et les tiens.

Nordine Boulhaïs,

History and Geography Teacher of the Lycée français de Chicago.

After reading the many messages of condolence, it is humbling to realize that this one man had such a positive influence on the lives of so many. God be with him and God bless his family.

To Ezra and family,



I'm sorry that your dad passed away. He was always so nice to all of us. I'm sorry this happened to your dad. I hope to see you at soccer soon.

Monsieur Wallon is the only and the best art teacher I have ever had. I enjoyed Monsieur Wallon and his creative manner of teaching for over 9 years. This caring and patient man will be missed by many, and this is truly a tragic loss for all. My condolences to the family of this wonderful man.

Dear Alice and family,

May you be warmly comforted by the love, prayers, and sympathies of those who gather around you at this sad time.

And may the zest of life so richly and generously given by Jean-Brice be gloriously his as promised by the miracle of Easter.

My deepest condolences.

John Costello

Dear Alice,



With deepest sympathy. He shall indeed be missed.



Love,



Victoria Zahrobsky (de Frise)

My deepest sympathy to Alice, Ezra and Gabriel as well as the entire family.

I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of a very dear colleague of eight years. He brought joy, humour and energy to our school. His absence will be hard to bear as he really touched the lives of all of us...

Sincerely,

Susan Savage ESL teacher

Luc Maschino MM

Alice and family,



You are in my heart and thoughts.

Dear Alice,

My deepest sympathy to you and your family at the loss of your husband. You are in my thoughts.

Dear Alice,

I just got word and don't even know where to start. I send my deepest sympathy. Can I help you in any way?

Dearest Cousin Alice, Gabriel and Ezra,



Please accept our deepest sympathy in your time of loss. We treasured the times our families shared together. Jean-Brice was an inspiring Husband, Father and friend to us. Our love and thoughts are truly with you all.



Billy, Jaqi, Emmah and Samuel Pirie

Dear Jan Brice:

Your love for children inspired me to be a better teacher.

Thank you for hiring me at the Lycee,for your trust, and for giving me such a wonderfull oportunity.

Dear ALice and family,you are not alone,and our prayers are with you



Ana Fau, Piano teacher

We send our most sincere condolences to the family of Jean-Brice Wallon. We are so shocked and saddened by his sudden death. For over 10 years Jean-Brice was a wonderful influence on our two children throughout their education. He will be terribly missed, but fondly remembered for his splendid personality as well as his unique teaching qualities. Claude & Susan Merrin

Our most sincere condolences go to the family of Jean-Brice. He was such a positive influence on our two children: Gabrielle and Keelan. We will miss him but he will continue to live through his inspiring legacy which he gave to all the community of the of the Lycee Francais. Famille Sirugue-MacLeod

Dear Alice--I am so sorry to hear of the death of your husband. My deepest sympathy is with you. I shall keep you in my thoughts and prayers.



Valerie Burke

In 1992, as I walked into CIS for an interview, I was first greeted by Jean-Brice. He was able to make me feel at ease and his good humor brought smiles to my petrified face. He was such an inspiring and revitalizing colleague as well as a wonderful person to be around.



As years went by, I would meet Jean-Brice occasionally. We would try to tie up a conversation about life, its new happenings and our perspective on life within the 3 minutes we had between classes! I always felt frustrated for not having had the time and or chance to really catch up, once more having to postpone till the next encounter.



Alice, Ezra and Gabriel, though your time with Jean-Brice was much too brief, I sincerely hope that you, more than anyone, had the chance to fully enjoy his presence. I know that he will be in all of our hearts forever for he was a wonderful friend, companion and life inspiration.



Please accept our deepest sympathy.

Dear Alice and family,



Phil just called and told me... don't know how to express my deep sympathy. You and your family are in our hearts and thoughts.



Scott Dietrich and Jeanne Lambin

Alice:



Im so sorry to hear about your loss. I will be praying for you and your family through this difficult time. You were a teacher who truly influenced and changed me, and I will never forget that.

To Ezra and your family,



I am very sorry to hear about your dad's passing. He always got me and my brother to smile at soccer practices and games.



You are a good friend, Ezra, and I hope to play soccer with you soon!

Alice,



My heart goes out to you, Ezra and Gabrielle. Jean-Brice was obviously devoted to you and the children.



Ray Groble

Dear Alice, Ezra and Gabriel:



Please accept our deepest condolences on you loss. We admired Jean-Brice for his kindness, charisma and the obvious love he had for all of you. You and the boys are in our thoughts and prayers.

Jean-Brice was a truly inspiring teacher to my son and a dynamic, strong, positive presence at the Lycee. He will be deeply missed. My heart felt sympathy goes out to Alice, Gabriel, and Ezra.

Dear Alice and Children:



We just heard. How does one even begin. Mary and I send hugs in thought.



Peter Thompson

Mary Dougherty

Jean-Brice was a dear friend of my father's for many years. He was a wonderful art teacher and taught my Technology class at the Chicago International School. He was kind to his students and always tried to push them to do better saying, "Yes, you can do it." Jean-Brice had a passion for art. He loved working with students and it showed.

Dear Alice and family,



Please accept our deepest sympathy and prayers. With love,



Sonia, Ernest, Jean-Yves and Ghislain Schneider

I met Jean-Brice when he first arrived in Chicago. We'd walk during my lunch break admiring the city's architecture. Although I hadn't seen him in many years, I recall his passion and openess as though it were yesterday. My deepest sympathy.

Dearest Alice, Ezra and Gabriel:

We have such wonderful memories of Jean Brice - family suppers on Sundays, playdates in the park, great conversations and good wine! Our times with him were few but wonderful...Our thoughts are with you,

with much love,

Emma, Michael, Isabella, Sebastian and Charlie Beck.

With deepest sympathy from the Farmilant family.



Steve, Mary, Samantha, David, Abigail

My sincere condolences to the family of Jean-Brice. He was a very appreciated and inspiring art teacher throughout my schooling at CIS and the Lycée. His lessons to this day continue to serve me well. He will be fondly remembered.

Dear Alice and family,



Please accept our deepest sympathy and prayers. With love,



Joyce Shatney, Mia & Brad Temkin

My deepest sympathy to my cousin Alice on your loss. While the years have gone by way too fast and our distance in miles has made visits very few and far between, my love and memories of you and your family remains bright. My prayers are with you. Love cousin Chip.