Paul Russell Patmore was born unexpectedly 3 months early on June 21, 1980 in Dallas, TX. And he died unexpectedly at his home in Mesa, AZ from a heroin overdose on August 3, 2019. He fought so hard to survive in the NICU. He must have survived with the mission someday to reach out to others who also suffered from the disease of addiction. He saved many. He inspired more. His friends have confirmed this. He was whip smart, wise beyond his short years, and the funniest human on the planet – and beyond??
From friends and family:
“The thing about Paulie, is he always fought for the underdog, because he was the underdog. He was the one person in the room whose attention and energy automatically went to the one person in the room that most people would have given up on. Because he always believed that everybody was worthy of love and connection and could make a comeback. Because Paulie always made a comeback. Again and again and again. In his world, nobody was disposable or insignificant. In his world everyone deserved some time and attention. In his world every person mattered. No matter what. And no matter where he went or what he did he always maintained his childlike awe, sage wisdom and ability to make the person standing in front of him feel like the most special person in the world. You could never be sad around Paulie because he could always help you find your smile and your gratitude. He had a light and a force within him that inspired and motivated people around him. Even when it couldn’t inspire and motivate him. He was one of the wittiest people I’ve ever known with the most dynamic mind and lens through which he saw the world. He was absolutely magnetic and had the most contagious laughter and smile. He had the biggest heart of anyone I know, and he shared it with everyone. Paulie was my friend. My family. Some times weren’t always easy or beautiful, but they are beyond precious and priceless to me and I will cherish them for the rest of my life. There has never been, and will never be, someone as True Blue as our Paulie. Wherever you are my friend know that I love you. Forever. ♥️”
“I’ve never felt more important than when I was around Paul. And I think that is true for most people who knew him. Because the depth of his care and concern was stunning. Paul had “it”. It’s rare, and he had it. I’ll miss it forever. He had a genuine selflessness that was learned from family, but that was cultivated through his own life experience.”
Paul proclaimed recently, “This is the happiest I’ve ever been in my adult life!” He was almost one year clean, had a job he loved helping others, was taking such good care of his health and relationships. His future looked so bright. Yet one poor decision ended it all.
Paul was a gentle and loving child, and that never changed. He had an old soul – and loved senior citizens, as well as children and animals. Everyone was drawn to him. He will be missed by hundreds of friends in Arizona, as well as his family in Texas and Pennsylvania.
Paul was predeceased by his father, Charles W. Patmore, Jr., his grandparents Paul and Fran Hanson and Charles and June Patmore. He is survived by his son, Isaac Deerwester of Philadelphia, Pa./Drexel University; his mother, Joan Hanson Patmore of Dallas, TX, his brothers Chuck Patmore of McKinney, TX and Doug Patmore of Fort Collins, Co; and his brother from another mother, Scotty Cowen of Phoenix.
The poem “Ascension” by Colleen Hitchcock was on his refrigerator door for the past 2 years. Please look it up; we believe that he was at peace with his destiny.
We were all stunned by his death. Paul always came back. Yet an addict’s death should never be unexpected.
A celebration of Paul’s life will be held in Phoenix at Unexpected Art Gallery (ironic, to be sure) on Sunday, August 25, 2019. We celebrate the artist, writer, philosopher and friend to the least of us. A private inurnment will take place at the columbarium at First United Methodist Church, Richardson TX.
To support Paul’s legacy of restoring dignity and health to others with the disease of addiction, donations can be made to Sonoran Prevention Works. 3201 N. 16th St., Ste.9, Phoenix, AZ 85016, spwaz.org.
Joan, Doug & Chuck…I so fondly remember Paul as a youngster at Terrace. I sincerely feel for your loss, but his life was not in vain. His is a story of hope in which we can all rejoice. God Bless you all.
What beautiful and touching tributes. Thanks for sharing,Joan.
I’m sad to say that I didn’t know Paul personally, but I’ve known his mother Joan most of my life and his qualities of giving, sharing, good sense of humor, caring for others and genuine-ness that people who knew Paul best attribute to him were, I’m quite certain, inherited from his wonderful mother Joan. I wish only Peace for all who loved, and will now miss, this young man, who has left this world way too soon. Memories of all that describe Paul here will always remain.
Beautiful and honest tribute to Paul. Perhaps this will help others be as vulnerable to speaking the truth about addiction. Love You Joan.
Beautiful and touching. Praying for peace for you all.
Joan, Please know that I am thinking of you through this difficult time. I wish you peace now that Paul’s struggle with addiction has ended.
To Joan, Chuck, Doug and Isaac, I pray that your grief is soon replaced with memories of happier times. Love, Gerry
So sorry Jaybee.
Joan and family, I feel so much empathy for you and what a beautiful tribute you gave to your son. I pray for your families peace over losing Paul. I never met him, but we lived next door to you in Plano and you have an incredible family. I too lost my daughter to a heroin overdose and know a addicts life and those lives that are touched when you love an addict. Love, Darlene (Graham)
Joanie: We are glad you have such loving memories of Paul. We only met him a few times, mostly at family functions for dear Aunt Ebby. Know how proud he must have been of his son Issac. Love, Jim and Vera
Joan: After reading this obituary I found it to be one of the most heartfelt tributes to a person that will be missed by so many people. May Light Perpetual Shine Upon Him.
My heart goes out to you guys.
I went to high school with Paul in Dallas. He was one of the nicest people. He was always very accepting and understanding. I could always be myself around him. I am truly saddened by this news and I am so sorry for your loss.
I met Paulie in Alabama at Three Springs, along with his older brother Chuck, and Paul and I have remained friends since. Over 25 years. I just found out that this happened because I have been away and out of touch and just got back to civilization and was going to stop and see him on the way out to Cali. After two weeks of not being able to find him I looked here. I am totally shocked and sunk. Paul always came back from it, and survived the ebb and flow. To the Patmore family, Pau’s child, and Pauls mom, I am sorry for your loss and if there is anything I can do to help you I am connected to Chuck on FB Messenger. it would be my pleasure.