1944 ~ 2016Paul James Walstad, beloved father and grandfather, died on December 15, 2016, in Honolulu, Hawaii after sustaining an injury while on vacation. He was born on August 27, 1944, in Great Falls Montana to loving parents Berner Murray Walstad and Elsie Bernadine Vancil. On March 9, 1963, Paul married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Jo Thompson, and the two embarked on a 53-year journey few could have imagined. Paul is survived by his wife, Nancy, and his 14 children (and spouses): Kim Jensen, Paul Walstad Jr. (Jennifer); Peter Walstad (Sandra); Phillip Walstad (Heidi); Michael Walstad (Melissa); Susan Newson (Shad); Karen Chamberlin (Bill); Cathy Manning Little; Kirsten Adams(Dave); Sarah Draughn (Dave); David Walstad (Debbie); Matt Walstad (Alex); Mark Walstad (Holly), and Mary Burdett (Adam). He is also survived by 40 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He is preceded in death by his parents and infant sister, Phyllis JoAnn.Family was always important to Paul. Born of rich Norwegian heritage in Great Falls, Montana, Paul was raised by a large extended family of aunts and uncles in Morrisonville, Illinois, who helped him develop his talents and pursue his passions. He excelled at many things, ending up Valedictorian of his graduating class of 1962. Even after he moved away to pursue a law career in Washington, D.C., that saw him invited to the White House by President's Nixon and Johnson for bill signings, and would find him as counsel for such clients as Walt Disney World, Kennecott, Hyundai and others, he never forgot where he came from. He returned almost yearly to Illinois with his growing family, helping them to always remember their vital heritage as well. In 1968, Paul and Nancy became members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, changing their lives forever. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity in 1969, creating an eternal bond that could not be broken by death. He dove headlong into Genealogy, publishing a work on his Mother's family that has been instrumental in bringing many generations of this family together. All of Paul's life he loved the scriptures: the doctrines and truths of heaven. Over a two-year period he memorized the first 57 chapters of Isaiah, and would spend hours recounting these words at family gatherings and on long car rides. Even though none of his children knew it at the time, they were constantly immersed in the Holy Scriptures. Holidays were not complete until doctrines were studied, truths taught, and hymns sung by voices old and new. There was never a better teacher of the scriptures than Paul to his family. Paul practiced what he preached. Rarely did a Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas Eve pass without a stranger to partake of the meal or to witness the Nativity scene re-enactment. Paul worked hard to build an individual relationship with each child and grand-child, focusing on serving and helping others together. He was a deeply spiritual man, spending much of his life serving the Lord, providing love and service to all that had the privilege to know him. Paul loved to write screenplays, novels, research papers, journals, poetry, and music. He passed on his love for and talent for writing to his children and leaves behind an incredible legacy. He studied the lives of Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, and Gandhi, and would regale whole birthday parties with stories of their lives and service. He was always urging those he loved to be better, to do more, and to serve the Lord. He would say, "Don't be afraid of your spirituality."Paul was a very accomplished musician, singing and entertaining his children and grandchildren by accordion, organ, and piano - passing on his talents to his children. Paul was young-hearted, had a love for chocolate as well as an unmatched work ethic and love for learning. He taught his family the value of hard work, education, and self-learning, and to prioritize the Word of God. He will be missed here even as he is part of a joyous reunion on the other side. Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. on Thursday, December 22nd at Nelson Family Mortuary, 4780 N University Ave, Provo, with a viewing/visitation prior to the services from 10:30-11:45. An additional viewing will be held the evening prior from 6 to 8 pm on Wednesday, December 21, at Nelson Family Mortuary. Interment will be at East Lawn Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.NelsonMortuary.com. In lieu of flowers a fund has been set up to handle funeral expenses: www.youcaring.com/paulandnancywalstad-715553