Obituary: Peter Dominique "Mick" Laxalt

January 7, 1931 - March 20, 2010

Peter Dominique "Mick" Laxalt was born in his beloved state of Nevada in 1931. He was the youngest of six children born to Therese and Dominique Laxalt.

Micky's early days were spent in Carson City with his siblings Paul, Robert, Suzanne, John and Marie. As children of Basque immigrants, Mick and his siblings learned the value of education. Amidst cottonwoods, sagebrush and Nevada soil, Mick grew to be a gifted scholar.

He graduated from Carson High School and attended the University of Santa Clara. He earned his master's in English at the University of Nevada, Reno. His sharp wit, love of language, and intellect led him to Catholic University in Washington, D.C. Inevitably, the study of law at Stanford University would be his capstone.

As the son of a sheepherder, familiarity with the mountains began at an early age. The High Sierras instilled Mick's passion for Lake Tahoe. His subsequent impact to Tahoe is far too great to express in the written word. This same passion encompassed the entire Silver State - north to south.

Mick was an accomplished writer. He published two children's books, "Angel Questions," a tribute to his grandchildren, and "A Basque Love Story," a short cultural tale. He also published, "Whirlwind," a sequel to his brother Robert's novella, "Dust Devils." As a gifted editor, he reviewed many books and articles on a variety of subjects.

His strategic thinking and gift of words were the "behind-the-scenes" brains behind many a political, social and economic business decision. In the true Basque tradition of aspen markings in the Sierras, Peter Dominique "Mick" Laxalt has left an indelible mark on Nevada for more than 50 years.

Mick left this world peacefully with family at his side. Survivors include his children Meg, Karl, Steve, Paul, Susan, Rick, and Charles, 14 grandchildren and a host of loving family members. He was preceded in death by his parents Therese and Dominique, brother Robert, daughter Brandi, and spouses Elizabeth and Katherine.

His children give special thanks to Reno physician Cal Van Reken; "Right at Home" caregiver Laura and many other caregivers who gave love and compassion; the Dominican sisters of St. Mary's Regional Medical Center and their able and compassionate hospital and hospice staff; Larry Dunne; and numerous others.

Services will be 2:30 p.m. March 26 at St. Thomas Aquinas Cathedral, 310 W. 2nd Street, Reno. A celebration of life will follow.

Contributions to St. Mary's Hospital Foundation, or any educational or Basque institution, would be welcomed by the family in Peter Laxalt's name.