We created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate the life of Tianxing Ren. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.
OBITUARY
"I'll never forget that smile. I will miss him, but I will also remember him with fondness." -Dr. Mark Smith, Professor of History, after Ren successfully read an ancient Greek inscription at Delphi in Greece.
Ren, as he preferred to be called, was majoring in philosophy with minors in classics, mathematics and pre-law, and was on track to graduate in 2021.
For those who did not know Ren well, he was an extraordinary student and a... see more
"I'll never forget that smile. I will miss him, but I will also remember him with fondness."
-Dr. Mark Smith, Professor of History, after Ren successfully read an ancient Greek inscription at Delphi in Greece.
Ren, as he preferred to be called, was majoring in philosophy with minors in classics, mathematics and pre-law, and was on track to graduate in 2021.
For those who did not know Ren well, he was an extraordinary student and a kind and gentle person. Here is a part of what Dr. Kerry Hunter had to say about Ren: “Ren was without a doubt the most well- read student I have ever worked with.” Remember this is coming from Kerry, who has been here for more than 30 years and has taught and mentored Rhodes Scholars and dozens of students who have gone on to the finest law schools in the world. He goes on to say “Ren also remembered what he read, was almost encyclopedic and though respectful, was not afraid to let me know when he thought I was operating from a too narrowly-focused background. Most importantly, Ren was a very sweet, kind and thoughtful person. My life was greatly enriched by having him as a student.”
Although we have never met, I recognise you from Hu. Don't worry, you have never been forgotten. You will always live in the memory of all people.
Wishing you can be as happy over there
... more我今天才得知任天行去世的消息。而下面的评论显示，4月2日以前他就走了。我听说是因为抑郁而自杀，这令我难以相信。谁能告诉我到底怎么回事？
我于13年在人人网上和任天行认识，那时他在人人网上宣传自由主义。任老是把我引向古典自由主义最关键的几个人之一。
对于古典自由主义者来说，现在是一个越来越恶劣的时代。美国的年轻人们和部分政客在“政治正确”的指引下疯狂地走上一条“通往奴役之路”。而……（see the English below）。
但我会坚持自己的信仰。恐惧屈于信仰，为了自由，为了任天行！
I haven't known Tianxing Ren's death until today. The memories and condolences below show that he passed away before April 2nd.I heard that he committed suicide because of depression,which is difficult for me to believe.Can anyone tell me what was going on?
I met Ren via a social intercourse website called "renren" in 2013, when he promoted liberalism on renren."Elder Ren" is one of the most essential people who led me to classical liberalism.
For classical liberalists, this is an increasingly bad era. Under the guidance of "political correctness", young people and some politicians in the USA are pushing forward crazily on "the road to serfdom". And China is always a Patriarchal society decorated with socialism .Nowadays more and more Chinese young people are actually becoming national socialist（Nazi）, although they don't realize.This remind me of Empire of Japan in 1930s.That's the main reason why Ren came to the USA.So I make sure that Ren doesn't like such a flag hung on his grave.(These words may bring inconvenience,so I won't write them in Chinese.I can't even access this website normally.I had to use VPN).
But I will stick to my beliefs. Fear surrendered to faith.For freedom, for Tianxing Ren! less
As one of his Chinese friends on Twitter, the "Elder Ren" we knew was obviously rather different from the Ren his professors and peers knew. What wasn't different was his love for philosophy, which he would sometimes make references to on... moreAs one of his Chinese friends on Twitter, the "Elder Ren" we knew was obviously rather different from the Ren his professors and peers knew. What wasn't different was his love for philosophy, which he would sometimes make references to on Twitter.
We didn't even get to learn about his death on time, as he frequently disappeared out of thin air for weeks, sometimes even months, and we eventually got used to his unexplained absences. I even forgot about the time I last talked to him.
However, I have, to his real-life friends, peers, and educators, one small request. He might have not told you this because it was irrelevant or for safety reasons, but he was not very fond of the Chinese government. I understand and appreciate your efforts to connect him to his country of birth, and I write this under the understanding that I'll rightfully be preceived as extremely rude to people who are, to me, utter strangers. But please, when you think of him next time, think of the kind soul he was and the knowledge he carried, not the flag that hung on his memorial. less
Here are some photos captured by Joe Hughes on April 8 as students and staff pay their respects at the memorial placed at the Clocktower in the Quad as well as students who remain in the dorms leaving a light on in honor of Ren.
I knew Ren only casually, but his passing has touched me deeply. After my first conversation with him during the McCall overnight when he first joined us, I came to know him as a quiet guy who seemed very much at home inside his own skin, and who always... moreI knew Ren only casually, but his passing has touched me deeply. After my first conversation with him during the McCall overnight when he first joined us, I came to know him as a quiet guy who seemed very much at home inside his own skin, and who always had a smile and a wave for me whenever we saw each other on campus. Occasionally we would chat briefly, and I was always impressed with how thoughtful, balanced, centered, and measured he seemed. He had interesting ideas, and he always left me with something to think about. It was heartbreaking for me to learn of his passing. I often left our chats wishing there could be a way to work with him in a course setting, and it saddens me now to know that it will never happen. I will miss this young man I barely knew as I would miss a close friend.
--- Chuck less
I had the privilege of working together with Ren on several projects and was constantly inspired by his remarkable work ethic and deep understanding of complex topics, which he would always patiently explain to anyone who needed help in understanding.... moreI had the privilege of working together with Ren on several projects and was constantly inspired by his remarkable work ethic and deep understanding of complex topics, which he would always patiently explain to anyone who needed help in understanding. Though he spoke infrequently, he made each word count. To me, Ren serves as an example of how to treat others with kindness and respect. A great scholar, and an even greater man. less
Ren was one of the first people I remember meeting in McCall when we were freshman. Though he was quiet, he was a very calming and friendly presence, always smiling and engaging with me that year. We always said hello to each other in passing - every... moreRen was one of the first people I remember meeting in McCall when we were freshman. Though he was quiet, he was a very calming and friendly presence, always smiling and engaging with me that year. We always said hello to each other in passing - every time, guaranteed. He was always smiling, whenever I saw him, and he seemed to know more than most people.
He didn't know it, but he taught me about kindness, the power of sharing a smile with another person, and how no matter what, simply saying "hello" to another person can stay with you forever.
Ren, next year God willing if I make it to graduation, it won't just be for me. But for you as well. I will carry you with me wherever I go, and never take a moment of education for granted. May you Rest In Peace and know you were a beloved member of our school's community. I will miss you dearly my friend. less
I didn't know Ren closely, however, I had him in one of my Psychology classes freshman year and seen him several times around campus. He seemed like a quiet kindred soul, every time I passed by him in the quad or tossing a wave at him on the way to the... moreI didn't know Ren closely, however, I had him in one of my Psychology classes freshman year and seen him several times around campus. He seemed like a quiet kindred soul, every time I passed by him in the quad or tossing a wave at him on the way to the library he always had a giant contagious smile on his face... Hearing this news is saddening and my prayers go out to him and his family during such difficult times. Ren will be missed!!! less
It was with profound shock and sorrow that I learned today that Ren is no longer with us. It seems we just returned from spending a couple of weeks with Ren doing a study tour of Greece. Two fond memories emerge from that time. One was the pleasure of... moreIt was with profound shock and sorrow that I learned today that Ren is no longer with us. It seems we just returned from spending a couple of weeks with Ren doing a study tour of Greece. Two fond memories emerge from that time. One was the pleasure of watching him build meaningful and playful relationships with other students. The second consisted of a couple of interactions I had with him when encountering ancient Greek inscriptions. Ren was a serious student, having undertaken the significant task of learning ancient Greek. On several occasions, Ren and I worked together to try to figure out the translation and interpretation these ancient public texts. On one particular occasion, our guide called him out and asked him to read an inscription at Delphi. Ren rose to the occasion, and when he realized he could do it, he beamed with pride. I’ll never forget that smile. I will miss him, but I will also remember him with fondness. less
My first memory of Ren was his freshman year. I remember reaching out to Adan because I was worried that Ren seemed to always be alone. I was reassured that he was just a pretty private guy, and he was fine. Through the years, whenever I saw him, with... moreMy first memory of Ren was his freshman year. I remember reaching out to Adan because I was worried that Ren seemed to always be alone. I was reassured that he was just a pretty private guy, and he was fine. Through the years, whenever I saw him, with his headphones on, walking at a pretty serious clip, whether on campus or downtown Caldwell, more often than not, there was a little smile on his face.
My goal was to get him to look up, wave and say 'hey' whenever he came into McCain. By golly - we made it! These past couple of months - it just made my day when he would come through and share a little wave and smile. It truly is the little things.
I didn’t have the privilege of really getting to know who Ren was until recently. Over the last few years I had seen him in passing around the quad and in the caf, and even though we hadn’t ever had a conversation he never failed to flash me one of... moreI didn’t have the privilege of really getting to know who Ren was until recently. Over the last few years I had seen him in passing around the quad and in the caf, and even though we hadn’t ever had a conversation he never failed to flash me one of his well-known smiles. Over Winter term I elected to go on the Greece study abroad trip, and when I showed up to class the week before our departure I saw Ren sitting in one of the desks. At the time I didn’t think anything of it but while in Greece, far away from everything we knew, we started to get to know one another. I quickly realized Ren was the type of person that you only get the chance to meet once in your life. He was extremely intelligent, witty, fiercely loyal to those he cared for, and could even be somewhat of a jokester. He could come off as very opinionated and stubborn at times, but it was because he was proud of who he was - how far he had come - and he didn’t see a point in hiding his quirks or denying who he was.
Life won’t be the same without you Ren, thank you for the life lessons and memories you gave each of us during your time here. We will miss you so much. less
Ren was maybe the most knowledgeable student I’ve ever met at the college. My very first class freshman year was Intro to Political Philosophy through Plato, he sat in the back. I’ve never been more inspired to push my boundaries as a student than I... moreRen was maybe the most knowledgeable student I’ve ever met at the college. My very first class freshman year was Intro to Political Philosophy through Plato, he sat in the back. I’ve never been more inspired to push my boundaries as a student than I was when I heard him speak, he had a depth of philosophical understanding that I will never be able to approach. He wanted, I think, to be well understood himself, I hope that in his passing we can appreciate him fully. The world is much worse off without him. Rest easy Ren. less
Ren worked for our department last year. Ren was always contemplating one concept or idea and then another, reading, listening to lectures on his headphones. He would share photos of places he had gone in China or stories about how things were there,... moreRen worked for our department last year. Ren was always contemplating one concept or idea and then another, reading, listening to lectures on his headphones. He would share photos of places he had gone in China or stories about how things were there, that always fascinated me. It was apparent once you got to know him that he was a very bright young man. Many here will miss him. less
When you take a 6 person winter term class with someone, by the end of it, you pretty much know everything about them that's worth knowing. This particular winter term class was Kerry's 300 level Topics in Fredrick Nietzsche - which... moreRen,
Oh man, heck.
When you take a 6 person winter term class with someone, by the end of it, you pretty much know everything about them that's worth knowing. This particular winter term class was Kerry's 300 level Topics in Fredrick Nietzsche - which you had to get special permission to take, because you were a freshman. A heckin freshman, bullying his way into a 300 level Kerry class - who is this guy? I remember Kerry telling Prestian and I that he didn't want to let you in, but you persisted, insisted even, and I'm forever glad you did. You had consistently articulate, thoughtful, insightful, and challenging contributions to every class we had together. I wanted to say they were even beautiful, but know you probably wouldn't have taken that as a compliment, believing that true philosophy is rooted in topics of existence and the metaphysical and everything else is just rabble - but perhaps, as I hoped it would, over the past two years since we've been students together you'd softened a bit.
You continually amazed me with the quotes and concepts you could not only remember, but cite your source for as well. Being a graduating senior at the time, it wasn't often that I was inspired to work harder, much less read for fun, but I found my self opening my dusty copy of Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics (mostly to see if you were bullshitting me when you near perfectly quoted an entire passage - you weren't) and delving back into the ancients. You kept us rooted, time and time again, in the magnificent foundation of philosophy and I'm forever thankful.
Being a philosophy major at C of I is a strange experience. For having such big ideas and concepts, it's a surprisingly small major credit wise. To be frank, we're all a bit touched in the head. The already small pool (13 or so at the time, myself included) of majors tended to be double majors. For some philosophy was secondary, a resume builder, but for you it was everything and that was magnificently and inspiringly obvious. Having stumbled into philosophy for the first time in college and found myself hungry, I can only imagine you were starving. Although we often had clashing opinions, you were consistently respectful and had a great capacity for intellectual dialogue that is unmatched and increasingly becoming a lost art. You challenged me and our classmates in a way no other student at C of I did or likely ever will. You made me better. You made all of us better. You had no fear, no limits, to being willing to participate and say what you were thinking - even if it was unpopular. I had and still have the utmost respect for you.
We might not have been close, but I had no doubt in my mind that one day I would pick up a book written by Tianxing Ren and found it convincing. The world lost a great mind. I hope that you are wherever you thought we end up after life. Good luck, Ren. less
I will always remember seeing him in the cafeteria, a giant smile on his face. He brought life to the College of Idaho campus and had a positive affect on so many people. Rest peacefully.
Ren was a remarkable young man. I had the pleasure of working with him since before he stepped foot on the College’s campus in fall of 2017. I quickly learned that he liked to do things his own way. However, he was always respectful and understood... moreRen was a remarkable young man. I had the pleasure of working with him since before he stepped foot on the College’s campus in fall of 2017. I quickly learned that he liked to do things his own way. However, he was always respectful and understood the purpose of how I approached advising him. While Ren was extremely studious, he had a playful side as well. I remember from time to time he would come by my office and prank me by closing and opening the door. Then we would enter and in a burly voice say “aaayyy” in a way only Ren could do. Requiescat in pace. less
Ren was a bright, insightful, well-read, engaged, inquisitive student who made a tremendous contribution to our team and our trip to Greece.
I have many fond memories of the two weeks we traveled together, including on our day at an archaeological... moreRen was a bright, insightful, well-read, engaged, inquisitive student who made a tremendous contribution to our team and our trip to Greece.
I have many fond memories of the two weeks we traveled together, including on our day at an archaeological site in ancient Philippi. Numerous areas that Dr. Smith really wanted to visit were closed because of ongoing archaeological work, short staff and “safety concerns,” and the guide in charge was unwilling to make exceptions for us. However, while on our truncated tour Ren and the guide stopped at an obscure rock with an ancient inscription that Ren was able to translate from the Greek. The guide was quite taken, and who knew, a few minutes later the restricted area was suddenly made available to our group. Ren and the guide then had a long private conversation off to the side. Watching Ren and the Greek archaeological guide (more like an archaeological bouncer) engaged in that lengthy discussion while Dr. Smith excitedly unpacked the history and importance of the newly "opened" area, is one of my favorite memories of the trip. less
I have been (one of) Ren’s advisors since he has been here. It has taken me a while to pull together my thoughts about him.
Ren kept me on my toes. As others have said, he was better read than any student we had. He was not the least bit shy about... moreI have been (one of) Ren’s advisors since he has been here. It has taken me a while to pull together my thoughts about him.
Ren kept me on my toes. As others have said, he was better read than any student we had. He was not the least bit shy about correcting me in class. I remember one time in particular when he explained that Descartes did not mean the same thing by “mind” and “spirit.” Of course he used the Latin and the French words. In the beginning I think Ren intimidated and possibly even annoyed some students, but they quickly came to admire and depend upon him.
He failed to attend our on-line seminar last week, and it was his day to lead to discussion. We did not know then that it was because he had died. We all remarked on how unusual it was and the student expressed dismay that we had to get through this very difficult material without him. They were counting on him and missed him deeply.
We will all miss him deeply. The depth and breadth of his knowledge were remarkable. His bravery in speaking up when he thought anything was sub-par was invaluable. His basic kindness was extraordinary.
I will miss Ren coming by my office with his unique greeting. I will miss him perusing my books and taking a number for later reading. I was touched when Ren told me he was taking my class this semester even though he didn't need to because he wanted one... moreI will miss Ren coming by my office with his unique greeting. I will miss him perusing my books and taking a number for later reading. I was touched when Ren told me he was taking my class this semester even though he didn't need to because he wanted one more class from me before I retired. less
I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Tianxing Ren. I only knew Ren for a short time, but it did not take long to realize that he was a uniquely gifted person. He took learning more seriously than most and was clearly driven by a deep and... moreI am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Tianxing Ren. I only knew Ren for a short time, but it did not take long to realize that he was a uniquely gifted person. He took learning more seriously than most and was clearly driven by a deep and inspiring love of philosophy. His sharp intellect and encyclopedic knowledge kept me on my toes, and his contributions to my classes were enriching. Though I cannot speak for my colleagues, I think it is safe to say that our classes will not be the same without him. I can certainly say that the philosophy and religious studies department will not be the same. He will be missed. less
I loved watching him put away plate after plate of food during his birthdays, and all of his meals at the café. He always reached over and enjoyed food off of my plate too. He also always ordered water to drink and I would order coke, of course he would... moreI loved watching him put away plate after plate of food during his birthdays, and all of his meals at the café. He always reached over and enjoyed food off of my plate too. He also always ordered water to drink and I would order coke, of course he would reach over and pour my coke into his water, and would look at me with a mischievous smile, and would say "aaayyy" in a deep voice. Gracias Ren for the memories! Descansa En Paz!
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