When he closed his eyes and breathed deeply of the crisp morning air, the music of the water took hold and the river was everywhere at once. Most good days, Robert Paul Warner’s feet met bank and his trusty rod cast a perfect line out among hidden fish. The river, come hell or high water, was where Paul found his bit of peace. If there is to be any peace it will come through being, not having. So, when his heart was in need, he’d gather up his tackle, sometimes a friend or his son, and set out for a day at the water’s edge.
Born on November 23, 1968 to RJ and Patsy Warner, Paul was one who loved completely without completely understanding. He had natural gifts, but he actively worked at being giving, kind, and free of judgment. Deep down he knew that if people concentrated on the really important things in life, there’d be a shortage of fishing poles. When the love of his life passed away, he took this idea to heart. Together with his son, Nathan, they would lay rubber to dirt on their BMX, or trade stories as they waited for tell-tale tugs on their lines.
Things he had done as a child with his father, like scouting for the best fishing spots along the rivers in Forks, and putting pedal to the metal, were things he shared with Nathan. Through heartache and struggle, Paul had enough courage to trust love one more time. And always one more time. As a mama’s boy, he loved and nurtured his mother. As a brother, he was kindhearted and genuine. As a father he taught his son quiet strength, perseverance, and kindness. As a grandfather, he was endlessly giving, joyful, and loving. He pursued the things he loved doing, lending a hand, keeping his heart open, and seeking out the river, and he did them so well that people couldn’t take their eyes off him.
On July 28, 2019, Paul set out for sights unseen to catch up with his beloved wife Nikki and his father RJ. Those who Paul taught that the river is everywhere are his amazing son Nathan (Ashley) Warner; his much adored granddaughter Anastasia Warner; his mother Patsy Warner; sisters Schelly (Bill) Selvar and Hannah (Pete) Bowen; brother Randy Thompson; half siblings Steve, Diana, and Bruce Warner; many nieces and nephews; his good friend Dave Meese; and his fishing buddy Scott Robertson. All his life, his heart had sought a thing he could not name. Perhaps it was in the river.
Services will be scheduled at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Weeks’ Enumclaw Funeral Home. Please share a memory of Paul on the tribute wall at www.weeksfuneralhomes.com.
