Paul Francis Lavallee, 86, died peacefully on Feb. 26, 2026, in Sioux Falls, S.D., three days after celebrating his birthday. Born on Feb. 23, 1940, in Lewiston, Maine, Paul lived a life defined by curiosity, generosity and an unwavering devotion to family.

Paul was the loving husband of 42 years to Michelle, his partner in adventure, travel and laughter. Together they built a life rich in friendship, experiences and stories that seemed to grow better with each telling.

He was a proud father to Kristopher (Mackenzie) Lavallee of Huron, S.D., and, from a previous marriage, father to Paul (Katja) Lavallee II of Bonita Springs, Fla. and Tracie (Michael) Noyes of Atkinson, N.H., and Susan (Robert) Millard of North Andover, Mass. He was a deeply cherished grandfather to Rebecca Lavallee of Ortonville, Minn., and Deacon Lavallee of Huron, S.D., who brought him immeasurable joy. He also held dear his mother‑in‑law, 97‑years‑young Rita Gross of Huron, S.D., and valued the extended family that became part of his story.

Paul was the son of Alice Fletcher Lavallee and Azellus “Pete” Lavallee, both of whom preceded him in death. He also was predeceased by his sister, Juliette Vallee, and by his spoiled cats, Tom and Elizabeth. He is survived by his brother‑in‑law Robert (Juliette) Vallee of Auburn, Maine, and by his siblings Patricia (Richard) Machemer of Pulaski, N.Y., Marie (Brian) Pike of Lewiston, Maine, Alice (Ronald) Smith of Monmouth, Maine and Peter (Claire) Lavallee of Lewiston, Maine, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Family remained one of Paul’s greatest anchors throughout his life.

Education shaped Paul’s early path and fueled his lifelong love of learning. Originally a high school dropout, he tackled his high school diploma and nursing degree from Central Maine Medical Center School of Nursing simultaneously. He worked as an RN at Central Maine Medical, which set him up for a long and successful career in healthcare. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Bates College, taught at the school of nursing, and later completed his MBA at the University of Chicago. These academic foundations launched a career that was as varied as it was impactful.

With “boots on the ground” experience on six continents and in more than 40 countries, Paul prided himself on being an internationalist. He spoke French, though with an unmistakable Down East accent. In his early career, Paul ran national and international hospital and nursing home conglomerates, including Qualicare in New Orleans and Americana, based in Illinois. Following the successful sale of Qualicare in the early 1980s, Paul became more entrepreneurial, spending decades in venture capital focused on life sciences, medical devices and health services, with work based everywhere from Montreal, Quebec, to Palo Alto, to Princeton, N.J. He was an expert in guiding companies through the FDA approval process and took several firms public.

A particularly meaningful experience in Paul’s life included serving as the Deputy Mayor of the Olympic Village during the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia in 1996.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Paul lived with gusto and purpose. He was a runner who embraced endurance not only as a sport but as a metaphor. He ran 10 marathons, including three in the first year he started running. Refusing to let anything slow him down, he completed a 5K race just weeks after having a pacemaker implanted.

Paul was an accomplished dancer who never hesitated to step onto the floor, a connoisseur of fine food and wine who delighted in discovery, and a consummate storyteller. A Mainer through and through, he was a sports enthusiast who played hockey much of his life, including with a semi‑professional team, the Pekin All Stars. An outdoor enthusiast, Paul was an expert downhill skier who preferred black‑diamond trails and a white‑water kayaker with a penchant for Class IV rapids. He was a world traveler who believed that understanding grew one conversation, one shared table, one passport stamp at a time.

Paul was always happy to return home to “Riverbend” in rural Huron, S.D., the country home he built with his wife Michelle and son Kristopher, where he enjoyed walking the nature trails and watching the local wildlife, especially the orioles. In the last season of his life, he made sure Michelle had the opportunity to have a home on the Pacific Ocean, a lifelong dream for her. In 2018, Paul and Michelle purchased a beautiful place in Jaco Beach, Costa Rica, which became an important part of their life together along with meeting cherished new friends.

Those who knew Paul will remember his vitality, his intellect and the warmth he extended so readily. He moved through life with intention and appetite, savoring both achievement and simple pleasures. He leaves behind a family and a multitude of friends who will carry forward his stories, traditions and generous spirit.

His life was well lived, well loved and deeply felt.

Paul chose not to have a formal church service but rather a series of memorial celebrations. Friends and family are invited to gather, share stories and salute the meaningful life and enduring legacy of a true Irishman, Paul Lavallee.

Memorial gatherings:

• Sioux Falls: Minnehaha Country Club, 4–6:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 11.

• Huron: “Riverbend,” the Lavallee family home, 40216 207th St., Huron, S.D., 4–6:30 p.m., Friday, March 13.

• Costa Rica: Jaco Beach, at sunset, Saturday, May 16.

• Lewiston, Maine: Saturday, June 6 (details to follow).

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Children’s Home Society of South Dakota, where Michelle serves as chief executive officer. Contributions can be made online at chssd.org or by mail to Children’s Home Society, 801 N. Sycamore Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57110.