Paul Cameron Rients
April 27, 1994 - October 24, 2022

How does a mother write an obituary for her son? Well, she doesn't. Instead she writes a tribute. No, this will not be all butterflies, unicorns, and puppy dog tails. It will not be 4-5 columns of glowing accolades. This is a true story about my son.
Paul Cameron Rients came into this world on April 27, 1994 weighing in at a whopping 9lbs, 5oz. Of course he was the cutest baby and as his sister said, he had chipmunk cheeks. He definitely was a momma's boy. He would have to have 10 kisses before I could leave him at daycare. He even jumped out the window one day because he did not want me to leave. In elementary school, Paul would try to play hooky to stay home to watch the Price Is Right show.
In 2007, Paul moved to Albany, Oregon. At age 16 is where things began to be not so good for Paul. He became angry. School was difficult, he was not one to sit in a classroom. He needed to be busy with his hands. So off to Job Corp he went and obtained his GED. He then went to the Oregon Coast Culinary Institute, earning a degree in Culinary Arts and a degree in Baking And Pastry Arts. Paul worked at several restaurants as a cook. His coworkers and bosses loved him. However, he could not figure out life/work balance and would burn out on jobs.
Paul was not happy the last few years of his life. He stated that he thought he was born at the wrong time, he did not like technology and should have been born in the 1950s. He was an old soul in a young body and that soul was troubled. He had a hard time taking care of himself. He seemed to rail against the world. I believe he had mental health issues. Due to the screwed up health care industry, he was not able to readily get the help he needed.
I so much wanted to help him but unfortunately I just could not reach him.
On a happier note, Paul loved his dogs Spooky and Molly. He loved finding unusual rocks to polish. His favorite flowers were Dahlias, he picked his first one out at age 4 and called it "Gloria". He enjoyed putting up the Christmas tree each year, his eyes would sparkle every time the lights were turned on. He had a goal of one day opening his own bakery.
Paul went to Infinity and Beyond on October 24, 2022. He will be remembered by his mother Melanie and husband Walt, brother Shaun, sister Beth and husband Ben. Also his nephews Alex and Tony, nieces Kim and Kate.
My parting words to you, my son. I hope you are running free with Spooky and Molly. I hope you have found the happiness you so richly deserve. Let Shaun, Beth and I know you have visited us by dropping a feather or penny in our path.
Hugs, hugs, kiss, kiss. Love you, love you more, love you the most, love you the mostest. I will not say the cliché RIP. Instead Bubby, please party hardy with your Dad and Uncle Darrell.
Love,
Mom, Shaun, Beth
And if anyone wants to plant a Dahlia in Paul's remembrance - please do so!

A gathering will be Saturday, November 12, 2022, 12-3:00 p.m. at 111 Mulberry Old Orchard Clubhouse in Ames.