Obituary of Paul Marion Rieth

Paul has "passed to the other side" as he would say on June 12, 2015 and is in the loving arms of his heavenly father. He was born in Mishiwaka, Indiana on November 28, l950 to Robert Anderson Rieth and Margaret Kathryn Rieth. As a young boy he had a deep love for animals which continued throughout his life. In 1966 after his parents second divorce his Mom piled the 4 children into a small Fiat and headed to Santa Cruz where they checked into a motel across from the Boardwalk. Paul met his friend Fred Neu (Shirley) in 1966 at Branciforte Elementary. Fred and his brother Tom (Wendy) remained friends for life. In 1967 Paul was put into William Penn Military Academy in Apple Valley where he excelled to the top of his class and earned his wings for flying airplanes. When he went home for the summer his Mom suggested he go back to the Academy the next year and Paul said "no he wasn't going back he wanted to return to Santa Cruz". His Mom said she would let him go if he could find a job, a place to live and someone to sign for him in High School within two weeks. He started walking Soquel Avenue until he found a job at Beckman's Hoffbrau as a dishwasher, then went to Fred, his good friend and told him his plight. Paul moved into Fred's home and his mother Ardeen signed for him to enter Soquel High School and he never looked back. Paul met Arlene in 1969 at Melanie (Marshall) Newby's 16th birthday party and the romance began. In April 1979 they married and recently celebrated their 35th anniversary in Yosemite where they spent their honeymoon. Paul went from a bagger at Camp Evers Grocery store to a successful career with the City of Scotts Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant for 37 years. He excelled there to the position of Chief Operator and later was asked to step into the role of Acting Supervisor for two years. In turn Paul received a Mayor's Proclamation for his dedication to the City and its wastewater treatment facility, was the City's Employee of the Year in 1997 and was honored with membership into the Quarter Century Operator's Club by the Water Environment Federation in 2001. He was so talented at his job that the Treatment Plant was awarded best water quality for a small treatment plant in the State of California. He also received an award for taking zero sick days for 25 years. Paul retired in 2010 and headed toward his passion for animals where he volunteered at the Animal Shelter of Santa Cruz County. Paul passionately enjoyed the San Francisco Giants and 49ers, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, fly fishing, golfing and his beloved BMW motorcycle. Paul is survived by his wife, Arlene Fry Rieth; brothers Roger Fulwilder (Terry), Michael Rieth, and sister Jacqueline Jacoletti (Raymond) plus many nieces, nephews and a huge circle of friends that loved him dearly. Graveside Services will be at Oakwood Memorial Park next to Dominican Hospital at 3301 Paul Sweet Road, Santa Cruz on June 19, 2015 at 12:00 noon; there will be a Celebration of Life immediately following at Chaminade Resort, 1 Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz. Casual attire. Any donations may be made in honor of Paul Rieth to the Animal Shelter of Santa Cruz County, 2200 7th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062.