Paul Guedet, 78, was born and raised in Merced, California. Following high school, he served two years as a U.S. Marine. Upon return, he earned a BA and an MBA from Chico State in California. He later obtained a second master’s degree from MIT.

After a brief stint in the shipping industry, Paul joined the State Department’s Agency for International Development as a Foreign Service Officer. There, he worked to combat poverty in Africa and Asia.

Paul married the love of his life, Laurie Mailloux, also a Foreign Service Officer, in 1979. Paul and Laurie were totally devoted to one another all of their married lives. They retired to Vashon Island in 1998.

Paul had a great sense of humor and enjoyed life to its fullest. He boxed, skied, hunted, played rugby and excelled in squash. He loved food and wine. The perseverance and dedication which Paul demonstrated in his professional and athletic lives, later were manifest in his 35-year struggle to lead a normal life despite his Parkinson’s disease. Paul’s courage, tenacity, grace and refusal to complain as he faced this brutal and debilitating disease struck awe in all who knew him. Certainly nothing interfered with his resolution to being the best husband and friend to those he loved and who loved him.

Paul died at his home on Vashon Island. Funeral Mass will be held at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, at 11:00 AM, Thursday, April 27.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (michaeljfox.org).