Paul W. Lefebvre's Obituary
Paul W. Lefebvre of Gainesville died 4 September 2023. He was 85 years of age. Paul was born in Somerset, Massachusetts, and moved to Gainesville from Stuttgart, Arkansas in 1969. He retired in 1988 from the U. S. Department of Agriculture where he was a research wildlife biologist in the animal damage control program.
He was a graduate of the University of Massachusetts (BS in1959) and Virginia Polytechnic Institute (MS in1961), where he majored in wildlife management. He was a commissioned officer in the U. S. Naval Reserve, and served on active duty as a weapons officer in USS Hank (DD702) from 1962 to 1965.
He was a Certified Wildlife Biologist and a member of The Wildlife Society. He was a Life/Endowment Member of the National Rifle Association, and a member of the Unified Sportsmen of Florida and the Fort White Gun Club. He was an active volunteer member of the Alachua County Friends of the Library for over 20 years. He served as Building Manager and organized and priced cook books. He also served on the State of Florida Nongame Wildlife Advisory Council for 7 years.
People enjoyed Paul’s laugh and quick wit. He loved to shop in used bookstores and thrift shops, and had a keen eye for just the right gifts for his friends and family. He was an excellent cook - his specialties were seafood gumbo, paella, and crawfish étoufée. He collected cookbooks and small boats, enjoying cooking, sailing and rowing for many years.
Although his life became increasingly circumscribed by Alzheimer’s in recent years, he was still able to enjoy a daily dog walk and trike ride with his wife around their neighborhood.
He is survived by his wife Lynn W. Lefebvre, Gainesville FL, cousin Elaine Webster, Plantsville CT, and sister-in-law Pam Leavy, Knoxville TN.
A graveside service will be held for Paul on Friday, September 15, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery. 7204 SE County Road 234, Gainesville. Those attending may wish to bring a chair and wear comfortable walking shoes while attending services in this beautiful natural cemetery.
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