Paul R Donaldson

Paul R. Donaldson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and respected scholar, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026, in Boise, surrounded by his family. He was born on January 11, 1945, in Spring City, Utah, to Odell and Bernice Donaldson.

Paul spent his early childhood on the family farm in Spring City, Utah, where he enjoyed the freedom of open fields, the lively companionship of cousins and uncles, and the occasional lessons that only farm work can teach. His family later moved to Magna, Utah, where Paul grew into a talented and dedicated athlete and exceptional student. He excelled in football, baseball, and wrestling, combining natural ability with determination and heart.

A lifelong learner, Paul attended Stanford University and the University of Utah, ultimately earning his Ph.D. in Geophysics from the Colorado School of Mines. His academic path reflected not just intelligence but a genuine curiosity and love of discovery—qualities that shaped both his career and the way he approached the world. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy Reserve as an officer in Naval Intelligence.

While still living in Magna, Paul met the love of his life, Luana, with whom he built a beautiful life and family. Together they raised four children—Tonya, Nathan, Lucas, and Ivan. Paul was a devoted father who never missed an opportunity to support his children, whether cheering from the sidelines, helping them pursue academic and personal goals, or celebrating life’s milestones. He was a loving and deeply supportive husband, sharing with Luana a life filled with joy, adventure, and unwavering partnership.

Paul’s professional legacy is profound. He joined the Department of Geosciences at Boise State University in 1975 as one of its earliest members. He played an instrumental role in establishing the undergraduate Geophysics program and taught courses in geophysics and ore deposits for more than 30 years. During a pivotal period of growth, Paul served as Department Chair, leading the effort that resulted in the creation of the Ph.D. program in Geophysics, the first doctoral program in Boise State University’s history, launched in 2000. As colleagues often expressed, borrowing from Isaac Newton, Paul was “one of the giants on whose shoulders we as a department stand.”

Outside academia, Paul embraced life with enthusiasm, humor, and warmth. He was friendly, positive, and full of class—someone whose presence made every gathering a little brighter. He cherished playing golf, attending “symposium,” and going on wine tours with “the geezers.” He loved skiing, water skiing, motorcycling, hiking, and spending time with his family. With Luana, he enjoyed Boise State football games, traveling to Europe to visit grandchildren, listening to jazz, and riding both motorcycles and bicycles. His life was rich with adventure, curiosity, friendship, and family.

He was also a passionate classic car enthusiast, lovingly restoring and owning a wide range of vintage and classic automobiles over the years. His craftsmanship and attention to detail earned him several “Best in Class” awards at the Boise Roadster Show, a recognition that brought him great joy and pride.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents Odell and Bernice, his brother Dave, and his sister Kathy. He is survived by his brother Wayne, sister Lynn, his wife Luana, his daughter Tonya and her husband David, his sons Nathan, Lucas and his fiancé Jackie, Ivan and his fiancé Taylor, and his cherished grandchildren Nico, Maia, Elliot, and Colt.

Paul will be remembered for his brilliance, his kindness, his generosity, his friendly and gracious spirit, and the enduring mark he left on his family, his students, his university, and his community. His impact will continue to ripple for generations.