Darrin Jeffery Lenz

Darrin J. Lenz, age 59, passed away on October 15, 2024, after a courageous 2.5 year battle with stage 4 lung cancer. His strength, optimism, and fighting spirit will forever inspire those who knew him.
Darrin was born in Portland, Oregon, and lived most of his life in Salem, where he attended McKay High School, excelling as both a football and baseball player. His love for his community and knack for building things led him to a successful career as the owner and operator of his own tile and flooring contracting business with his son Brett by his side for over 20 years. Earlier in life, he traveled across the U.S. and even internationally, building batting cages-a job that let him see the world while working hard to bring joy to others.
Darrin had an extraordinary gift for connecting with people, always remembering faces and names no matter how much time had passed. He was known for his quick wit, storytelling, and a humor that could light up a room. With his infectious smile and unforgettable laugh, he made friends everywhere he went and kept them close. Family and friendships were everything to Darrin, and he took every opportunity to gather loved ones for a BBQ or celebration, cultivating connections that often lasted over 40 years.
Darrin is deeply missed by his beloved wife, Lori Lenz, his mother, Sharee Arnold, his brother, Raymond Arnold, his daughters Sarah Flores, Ashley Pope, Karessa Lenz, and Jessica Kampmann, and his son, Brett Jacobs. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Maddisen, Rhylee, Arionna, Ariah, Taylor, Andrew, and Carson, all of whom he adored and supported, showing up whenever he could to celebrate their lives and accomplishments.
An avid outdoorsman, Darrin found peace in hunting and fishing, particularly cherishing a memorable elk hunt in Eastern Oregon. Despite undergoing chemotherapy, he took on the challenge with determination and pride, a testament to his resilience and love for nature. His favorite vacation spots included Mazatlan, Mexico, where he enjoyed month-long stays relaxing by the pool and meeting new friends, as well as quick getaways to Las Vegas, reveling in the thrill of the city and always hoping for a big win.
Darrin's family will host a celebration of his life on November 16, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the Oregon State Fairgrounds Floral Building in Salem, located behind the green gate (signs will be posted). Friends, family, and anyone whose life was touched by Darrin's warm spirit are invited to join. A light lunch of tacos and sides will be provided as we come together to share stories, laughter, and memories of a man who left an unforgettable mark on us all. Darrin's ashes will be laid to rest with his grandfather and grandmother, Clifford and Elsie Lenz at Restlawn Funeral Home.
Darrin's vibrant spirit, loyalty, and boundless love for his family and friends will live on in our hearts forever. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to a dog rescue of your choice as he dearly loved dogs and deeply loved his rescue dog Bodie and new addition Jimmy.