Paul Michel Laxalt

May 2, 1962 - Aug 24, 2014

Our dear husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew and friend Paul M. Laxalt, has left us too soon. He passed away at his home in Reno, Nevada on August 24, 2014. We are deeply saddened by the premature loss of Paul, who was truly larger than life. Paul was a Nevada boy, born and raised in Carson City and Incline Village. His parents, Katherine and Peter D. “Micky” Laxalt, instilled both a free spirit and generosity in their son. Those qualities were Paul’s mark of individuality, and the foundation for his adult life. Paul’s quick wit, kindness and perspective about life endeared him to every person he met. He made a new friend every place he traveled, whether that be the grocery store or another country. Like his father, he preferred a warm hug over a cold handshake. Like his mother, he loved a good group gathering and found great joy in a good laugh. He loved the mountains, and cherished his time at Lake Tahoe from an early age. That deep blue water amidst Nevada’s pines touched his soul. So too, did Marlette Lake, home of his grandfather’s sheep camp and family gathering spot. Being Basque granted Paul a unique heritage. He treasured and respected Basque culture and reveled in his French-Basque roots. Paul was well-known for his strong work ethic and fierce loyalty in the workplace. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, St. Mary’s Foundation, Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada and St. Vincent’s Programs valued Paul’s amazing ability to focus on those in need. His heart was huge and he gave of himself to everyone, as witnessed by his life’s work in philanthropy. Young, old, rich or poor, Paul found a way to improve lives. From daily geriatric visits at St. Mary’s to an African “Think Kindness” mission, all Paul usually had to do was smile and laugh, and he healed the toughest of situations. Paul’s legacy is one of family, compassion and a desire to bring out the best in those around him. Smile on us all, Paul, and help us keep life in perspective. The hole in our hearts will never heal, but we are all much better for you touching our lives. Paul M. Laxalt is survived by his wife, Janet; son Brandon; daughter Michelle and fiancée Chris Strahl; sister Meg Laxalt Mackey and husband Dennis Mackey; brother Rick Laxalt and wife Susan; brother Steve Laxalt; grandmother Dorthella Annett Hill Silva; Bob the Cat and Biscuit; many Laxalt family members; and friends too numerous to count. Please join the Celebration of Paul’s Life on Friday, August 29, 2014, at 5:00 pm. The event will be at the ElDorado Hotel-Casino, Grand Ballroom, 345 N. Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada. Dress code, in Paul’s words: “floppy!” To see our memories of Paul and direct links to memorial giving opportunities, please visit www.paulmlaxalt.com. To continue Paul’s tradition of helping others, please bring non-perishable food items to the Celebration; or send a memorial donation in Paul M. Laxalt’s name to Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada, http://goo.gl/jHNqMp or by mail to PO Box 5099, Reno, Nevada 89513; or the League to Save Lake Tahoe at http://goo.gl/kGGwNz or by mail to 2608 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, Nevada 96150. Online condolences may be expressed in the Book of Memories at the website www.waltonsfuneralhomes.com.