Paul Joseph “Pablo” Gervais of Colchester, Vt., passed away unexpectedly on September 11, 2025, at the age of 73.
Born in Burlington on May 4, 1952, to Jean Ernest (“Ernie”) and Yvette Gervais, Paul grew up with an adventurous spirit and a quiet generosity that shaped his life. His mother often recalled the day he came home without his winter coat, explaining simply, “I gave it to a kid that needed it.”
A 1970 graduate of Burlington High School, Paul wasted no time in chasing adventure. With his friend Hartley McHone, he hitchhiked to Alaska, built a cabin on Mount McKinley, and later made his way to Nogales, Ariz. — where he earned the nickname “Pablo” and a lifelong love of Mexican food and hot sauce. His path wound through Aspen (driving a tow truck), Lake Tahoe (ski patrol) and Maui, where he worked as a cliff diver.
In 1978 Paul returned to Vermont and cofounded P&H Painting with Hartley before striking out on his own with Champlain Painting. He also worked as a water tester for Lake Champlain, often joined by friends and his dog Sailor. In winter, he served on ski patrol at Sugarbush and Mad River Glen, where his love of skiing carried the same daring spirit he brought to sailing, biking and life itself.
In the early 1980s, Paul cofounded Champlain Multi Hulls with his friend Doug Wilson, selling Nacras and helping to grow the multihull racing community. He became a fierce competitor, racing Hobies, Nacras, Trimarans and Catamarans. His friend Don Brush remembered their years in the “Vermont Mafia” of ice sailors — building boats, traveling wherever there was ice, and competing in national and world championships.
His boats carried names as bold as their captain — Toast, Bite Me, Stupid Boat and Needs Paint. His motorboats, always full of quirks, were dubbed Stinky 1, 2, and 3. When teaching sailing, his advice was simple: “The pointy end goes forward.”
Paul’s passion for the extreme extended far beyond the water. He was a fearless iceboater, mountain biker, and skier — always chasing speed and living life in full gear. With his lifelong friend Bruce Raymond, he shared countless miles on skis, bikes and family gatherings.
Music was another love. Paul played guitar and loved listening to his favorite band, Little Feat, and to his friend Sam Spear’s band, the North End Rhythm Kings. He also delighted in catching early performances of Grace Potter, Susan Tedeschi and Sue Foley before they filled major venues. At home, he grew peppers and proudly made hot sauce — naturally, he called it Bite Me.
Still, Paul’s heart was always on the shores of Lake Champlain. He spent summers at his family’s camp in the Sand Dunes community, eventually buying it from his parents. To his neighbors, Paul was generous and dependable — whether re-fiberglassing a hull, trudging through snow to check on camps or lending a hand without hesitation.
Paul is survived by his “better half,” his twin sister, Pauline Gervais, always bound to him by an unshakable twin connection; his older brother, Gerald Gervais, and his girlfriend, Laura Turner; his best friend, Bruce Raymond; John Huss and Shannon Mullin, whom he loved like family; his loyal dog Rudder; and countless friends — too many to name, but never forgotten. He was predeceased by his parents, Ernie and Yvette, and by his beloved dogs Isaac, Barry, Sailor, Cody and Tiller.
A celebration of Paul’s life will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 3 p.m. at the Champlain Marina Banquet Hall, 982 West Lakeshore Drive, Colchester, Vt. Dress is casual. All who knew and loved Paul are invited. Please bring stories and pictures to share.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Paul by doing what he loved: sail a little faster, ski a little harder, ride a little farther, play your music a little louder, add a little extra hot sauce — and never forget that life is meant to be lived full speed ahead.