Paul Raymond Eichwald

Paul Raymond Eichwald

A bright star that burned 42 times round the sun. He experienced more than most people do in 100 years. Too smart, too sensitive, and creative for this world. His spirit was being called to another realm where he will be looking over us, awaiting our arrival and guiding us along the way. He is free, he has wings. We await his big bear hug and dimpled sly smile. You are our brave, spiritual guide, Paul, and we will miss you every day.

Paul Raymond Eichwald was born with the spirit of a white dove in Missoula on August 5, 1981. At two months old, Paul moved with his parents, Paul and Linda, to an old homestead at the top of Pattee Canyon. He grew up playing in the creek beds and among the old pine trees. When asked if he wanted to live closer to town, he replied “I will never leave the forest.”

Paul’s early years were spent at Sussex School, where he excelled at math, art, and outdoor recreation. He was an entrepreneur at a young age. His first business venture involved selling sandwiches and his own artwork at Bonner Park. This independent and creative spark remained throughout his life. His business included real estate ventures, farming, and dog breeding. More recently Paul became a talented mortgage broker, helping secure homes and unconventional loans for those in need. He dreamed of building a hemp-crete production facility on his property to further green building and infrastructure.

While not economical, Paul was also a talented ceramicist, philosopher, poet, avid reader, and water enthusiast. He was a charming river guide and was most joyous on the water. It was his element, and he loved taking on the big waves.

Paul was bigger than life, and he lived for and adventure. He traveled the world with family and friends, including trips to Hawaii, Mexico, Honduras, Thailand, Greece, and Italy. When he traveled, he went ALL IN, on the food, the art, the culture, and made the most of every experience, He was a talented chef and enjoyed gourmet meals, known to order a sampling of most everything on the menu, from appetizers to dessert.

He loved music so much. You could find him at the Gorge or on a Phish tour. The Grateful Dead formed the soundtrack to his life, the lyrics were his philosophy, the rhythm, his mantra. He received his associate degree in Entertainment Management and loved helping with sounds and stage design, whether for his sister’s wedding, Paul Sr.’s jam band “The Levitators”, or the world-renowned Rolling Stones. He certainly did not skimp on size or quality when he threw a party, much to his parents’ dismay.

Even his dogs were of the highest pedigree, from his loyal Black Labs, to his sweet playful Frenchies. Those six big eyed, smashed nose dogs had the run of the house. An animal lover to the core. Paul drove with his beloved cat, Lenny, on his head from Southern Oregon to Missoula, one of his many endless drives between the two destinations.

Many people did not know the quiet, sensitive, special, and artistic Paul. Though he had a tough veneer and the true temper of a Leo, he was a sweet teddy bear underneath it all. He was a teacher, a healer, a caring big brother, phenomenal son, and an amazing father.

His son, Ryden, was the pride and joy of his life. They were inseparable, whether boating, traveling, cooking, wrestling, or playing Skylanders! Their resemblance is unquestionable, and Paul will continue to live on through his son.

Despite all the fun times, Paul fought a valiant battle with mental health, back pain, and addiction most of his life. He was fortunate to have unrelenting love and support from his family and friends, but his life and spiritual journey was uniquely his own. Under such challenging conditions, it was amazing what he accomplished.

Though we can’t bring him back to the physical form, we pray that his spirit is finally free and at peace. May his death remind us never to give up on each other to love, to play, and to cherish each and every moment we have together.

“Sometimes we live no particular way but our own. Love will see you through.”

“Keep on Keepin’ on”

Please share a memory of Paul in his guestbook.