Pavel Spicar was born March 15, 1969 in his home country, Croatia, to his parents Dragutin and Ana Spicar. Later, Paolo changed his name to Paolo Spicar-Mihalic. As a child, he developed an intense love for chemistry and was chosen twice an the national award recipient in chemistry. This passion for chemistry led him to his studies at the University of Zagreb. However, before his senior year, a severe leg injury caused him to pause his studies. During this time, Paolo worked for the radio and television station where he had his own radio program and engaged in interviews for some TV programs. It was his exceptional performance of this career that he was invited by the USAID in 1998 to participate in an international conference on communication in Washington, DC. During the conference he was offered a one-year fellowship at the University of Tennessee. It was while he was doing this internship that he met his future husband, Vincent Lachina. In 1999, Paolo moved to Seattle to complete his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry which led to both a master’s degree and a PhD in biochemistry and nanotechnology, both honored magna cum laude. In 2003, a severe heart failure issue developed which lasted until his death August 22, 2026. Paolo and Vincent we legally married in 2013, celebrating a relationship that lasted 27 years together. Paolo’s passion for chemistry was only one of his exceptional gifts. He was a classical pianist, an accomplished vocalist, and a remarkable chef. However, what he was the vest best at was being a loving and caring husband and friend to many.