Catholic Charities leader Paul M. Laxalt dies at 52

Paul M. Laxalt, a longtime leader in Northern Nevada nonprofits and member of a prominent Nevada family, died unexpectedly on Sunday.

Laxalt, 52, was the son of the late Peter “Micky” Laxalt and the nephew of former Nevada Gov. and U.S. Sen. Paul Laxalt. At the time of his death he was development director of Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada and had formerly served as the head of the St. Mary’s Foundation.

“The Laxalt family is deeply sadden by the sudden loss of Paul, a husband, father, brother, cousin and friend to so many in Nevada,” family members said in a statement released on Monday.

Like his late father, Paul Laxalt was known for his friendly manner, preferring hugs to handshakes.

“Paul had an incredibly huge heart and there was a reason he was in philanthropy,” said his sister, Meg Mackey. “He gave something of himself to everyone he touched.”

Catholic Charities CEO Peter Vogel called Laxalt “a vibrant man who cared so much about making our community a better place.”

“We are devastated over the loss of Paul,” Vogel said. “Through his many years of work at St. Mary’s as well as during his time with us, he made such a huge impact on local people and families. We know Paul would have wanted us keep moving forward toward our goals of reducing poverty in the community, and we have every intention of doing that. Every one of us will miss him dearly.”

Laxalt is survived by his wife, Janet; son, Brandon; and daughter, Michelle; sister, Meg; brothers Steve and Rick; and numerous members of the Laxalt family.

Services are pending.