Paul A van Walleghem's Obituary
Paul Alphonse van Walleghem, a devoted family man, accomplished professional, passed away peacefully in his home in Coral Gables, Florida, at the age of 85. Born on June 6, 1940, in Lima, Peru, to Belgian father Andre van Walleghem and Peruvian mother Enriqueta Málaga, Paul lived a rich life marked by academic excellence, a distinguished career in animal nutrition, and deep family bonds.
Paul graduated from Markham College in Lima as School Captain before pursuing higher education in the United States. He earned his undergraduate degree in Animal Sciences from Oklahoma State University and went on to receive masters and doctoral degrees in Animal Nutrition, Food Technology, and Biochemistry from the University of Florida in Gainesville in 1967.
His professional career spanned 28 years at Ralston Purina International, where he rose to the position of President before retiring in 1995. Upon retirement, Paul relocated to Coral Gables, where he joined his family, spent the next three decades engaging in small business ventures, extensive travel, and enjoying his passion for boating.
Pauls greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Madeleine, whom he met as a teenager and shared 63 years of marriage; their sons Derek van Walleghem and his wife Elizabeth; and Ian van Walleghem and his wife Ibis; their grandson Max van Walleghem and wife Sofie; great-grandchildren Madeleine and Sylvie; brother Andre van Walleghem; sister-in-law Rosa Maria de los Heros and numerous nieces and nephews in Peru and the United States. He was predeceased by his parens and brother Rene van Walleghem.
Above all, Paul will be remembered as a good, generous and decent man, who was devoted to the family he loved so much; and dedicated to his profession with integrity and a clear sense of ethics and duty. He will be sorely missed by his family and those whose lives were touched by his gentle spirit.
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