A loving husband, father, son and brother has been delivered into the hands of our loving Father and Savior. Paul L. Gervais passed away on March 3, 2018 with full love in his heart.
Paul grew up in the Springfield, Massachusetts area where, as a young boy, he liked to dress up as Paul McCartney with a wig and toy guitar, singing "I Wanna Hold Your Hand." Paul's youth was spent skiing, water skiing, running around the neighborhood, and enjoying time at the lake cabin his family built. He loved steamers, a fresh fried clam roll, lobster, a good steak and his beloved tequila. In high school, Paul visited Steamboat Springs where he experienced an epic all-night snow storm and awakened to a blue Colorado sky. His love of Colorado began.
After high school graduation, Paul followed his dream and went west. He and a buddy drove to California. Once in California, Paul held a variety of jobs and ultimately ended up in San Francisco living with his uncle. A friend from New England came to visit and left a brochure for Fort Lewis College. Paul read the brochure and noticed that there was a way to go to school and ski. Paul moved to Durango.
After graduating Fort Lewis College in 1982, Paul moved to Denver. Much to his delight, he began bartending while studying for his CPA exams. The story changes from here. Paul met Catherine, his wife of 32 years, while bartending, because she was, of course, the cocktail waitress.
Married in 1986, Catherine and Paul enjoyed married life for six years before welcoming their first daughter, Leah. Three years after, Abby was born and three years after that, they were blessed with their third beautiful daughter, Ellie. During these early years, Paul started his CPA firm, while all the time being an attentive, active, loving, husband and father. Paul also earned his Master's in Taxation from the University of Denver.
The loving, caring husband and father was all that and more: mountain biker, skier, hiker, runner, friend, sailor, traveler, tennis player, mountain climber, rock climber, grill chef, storyteller, businessman and friend to all. His love of life has been shared with his wife and children, leaving a legacy of love and hope for all.
The perfect combination was found when the family moved to Durango in 1999. The balance of his professional life, family, love of mountains and all outdoor sporting adventures fulfilled his life. His family was blessed to have him and are grieving with heavy hearts, but with the hope of seeing him again one day.
Paul is survived by his wife Catherine and three daughters; Leah, Abby and Ellie. He is also survived by mother Lorraine Gervais; sisters Lynn Gervais-Jones and husband Lee and niece Meghan, Donna Goulet and husband Rick; nieces Juliette and Renee. His father Paul Gervais Sr. passed away in March of 2005.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to "Know Your Dough" [email protected] or St. Jude's Children Hospital.
A service will be held at 10 am, Friday, March 9, 2018 at First United Methodist Church, 2917 Aspen Dr., Durango.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Hood Mortuary - Durango.
God bless you and your memory, Paul. And all the family.
James F Koenigsfeld
Friend
February 27, 2023
Dear Catherine, Leah, Abby and Elle,
Words can't express the emotions that exist now. Just pray. My prayers will be with you.
Fr. Jim
James Koenigsfeld
March 10, 2018
Dear Catherine and family - I am very sad to hear about the passing of Paul. We were really good friends in high school, and had a lot of fun together. It seems like yesterday that I would meet Paul in the Tech High parking lot, throw the skis in my vw, and head to Vermont because there was fresh powder to ski. Please except my condolences during this very difficult time. Paul was a one in a million person who will be missed. Save me a seat on the chair until we meet again buddy !
Mike Sarkis
March 10, 2018
My condolences to the family. Paul was my cousin. I have many fond memories of him growing up in Springfield. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bob Florian
Bob Florian
March 9, 2018
Dear catherine, leah,abby,ellie, sorry carol and i cant be there at this time of pain and sorrow. Your husband and father was a great man and will be deeply missed. Love carol and bruce.
Bruce and carol Miller
March 9, 2018
I was so very shocked to read of Paul's passing. It was definitely too soon and I am remembering him with you.
Laura Lewis Marchino
March 8, 2018
When I met Paul 9 years ago, he immediately made me feel comfortable discussing my financial situation and gave me confidence making decisions for my future. Not only was he always available for concerns I might be having, but he knew how to communicate in a way that put me at ease. Beyond the financial relationship we had, he was always interested in what my passions and interests were, helping me to fulfill my giving in those areas. We shared stories about recent trips or activities and when I was in the midst of a serious health issue, he showed such heart felt compassion. I was very touched. I'm sending warm thoughts to his family and to those who knew him better than I.
Marcey olajos
March 8, 2018
I'm touched to see that other people had a great experience working with Paul, as I have. Such an intellect, a leader who empowered me and constantly prompted me to grow, and a quiet warmth that would occasionally break out into boisterous mirth to the delight of everyone around. We should all live our lives to the fullest as was his passion! Thanks for everything, Paul.
Rachel Kuss
March 8, 2018
Paul was the best boss I ever had. I had so much respect for him and learned so much from him. Rest in peace my friend.
Nadine Karius-Strickland
Coworker
March 7, 2018
I am so very sorry to hear of Paul's passing. I worked for him for 12 years, 1999 through 2010 with an additional year of part timing it. During that time I found him to be a truly good and decent man. He was a gentleman and I am glad I knew him.
Even though I haven't seen him very often these last few years I will miss him, as I'm sure everyone who knew him will.
Joanne McCoy
March 7, 2018
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