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Pierre Rener Obituary

RENER, PIERRE JAMES; passed away suddenly on December 21, 2011. Pierre was born and raised in Detroit, but lived for 40 years in Kansas City, Missouri. After serving in the Korean War, Pierre earned his degrees at Michigan State, and Wayne State. He began a distinguished teaching career which included: DPS (1958-65); Cass Tech High School, Director of Performing Arts (1965-1974); Milperra College of Advanced Education in Sydney, Australia (1975-76); and Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Missouri Kansas City. Pierre was the beloved husband of Eva Gunn Rener. Pierre is survived by brothers, Gustave Rener of Grosse Pointe, and Michael Rener of Troy; sons Peter Rener of Livonia, and Brian Rener of Lake Bluff, IL; and ten grandchildren.

Published by The Oakland Press from Dec. 27 to Dec. 28, 2011.
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Every time I see EMPEROR OF THE NORTH (1973), I think of Pierre Rener and our relationship. He would have been ninety this year as I understand it. He rode off on his train into the sunset awhile ago, but I have no doubt we will meet again one day on the tracks of Life.

Eligah Boykin Jr.

Friend

May 13, 2023

Today (May 10, 2023), would have been Pierre´s 90th birthday.
My thoughts are with him today.
He was a special man. A terrific teacher. One of a kind.

Arielle Denise Thomas Newman

May 10, 2023

Observing the BLM and similar movements today, it seems so familiar. Didn't we discover all this stuff at Cass Tech in the late 60s? Didn't people like Elijah present radical plays? Unless necessary to the play, Mr. Rener's casting was always race-blind -- it had to be, or there wouldn't be enough people to cast! My yearbook has a photo of a classmate selling the "Black Panther" newspaper on the street outside the school, and a two-page spread with the words "ARISE." This is why I dream about Cass.

Margery Williams

December 22, 2021

Your Candled Spirit burns brightly inside of me today, on this 10th Memorial of your passing. You taught us so well, and others who Teach, would do well to reach half the breadth and scope of your influence! Bless you on this Day, and forever.

Nicholas Georges

School

December 21, 2021

The gang's all here with Pierre Rener!

Eligah Boykin Jr.

Student

January 18, 2021

Dear Rener family,
It saddens me to learn of Pierre's passing; but heartened me to read the tributes to him and to see how loved and appreciated he was and still is. Like Elijah Boykin and Margerie Williams, I was part of the Performing Arts subculture at Cass Tech in the late 60's and Pierre mentored me through high school and beyond as we boldly formed "Detroit's New Improvisational Theater" company in the early 70's. Under Pierre's leadership, Margerie, Robb Rodd, Patty Rau, Denise Thomas, Jerry Cleveland and Eligah all left indelible impressions on me that made me who I am. Pierre often showed me the respect of criticizing something I did or didn't do, and occasionally honored me by asking for my opinion or help. There are countless of us whose became better people because of Pierre. Thanks to all who have acknowledged him here. He deserves it.

Peter Cubra

Student

July 13, 2020

Thanks for the memories!

Gloria Quinn

April 28, 2020

Eligah Boykin Jr.

April 28, 2020

Just remembering one of the many moments in time with my mentor, Pierre Rener...

Eligah Boykin Jr.

Student

December 21, 2019

Eligah Boykin Jr.

September 19, 2019

Eligah Boykin Jr.

September 19, 2019

I wrote about you here and there in this book, Pierre, and it won't be the last time. I hope you will forgive me for taking so long to get rolling as a writer. I really wanted you to be there when I started to succeed...

August 12, 2019

Pierre Rener was the best teacher I ever had at UMKC, way back in the 1980s. He made his students work hard for an A. He invited me back to speak to many of his Media classes in the years to follow. He will be missed.

Laural

March 24, 2019

It's hard to believe it's been seven years dad. Its selfish, but I miss knowing you "had my back" as you used to tell me "no matter what". Not a month goes by that I don't remember some words of advice on business or life you gave me. Despite the years your voice seems clearer to me as I get older.

Brian Rener

December 9, 2018

I was a student of his at Cass Tech from 1963-1968. A memorable man, a forceful personality, who challenged each of us to exceed our limits. Cherry Blend pipe tobacco and 'No roses over the footlights"! I agree with all others here who spoke of his influence in our lives.

Mary Foster

Student

August 17, 2018

Eligah Boykin Jr.

December 28, 2017

It is surprising how often I reflect on the shared experience of Cass Tech and the community we created there. Mr. Rener was a huge part of that and I am grateful. I agree with Margie, it made me a better human being.
thank you, Mr. Rener. I will never forget you.

Beth Girshman

December 23, 2016

Margery, I share all those fond memories you mention of Pierre, along with ones of you then, too.

Gloria Goldman

December 22, 2016

He was the first person I ever knew, and one of very few I've met since then, who was charismatic. The PA Department at Cass revolved around him. He knew it, we knew it, and so did everyone else. I didn't know, back in those days, that Mr. Rener, "2 1/2", Performing Arts, and the whole Cass Tech experience in the late 1960s was so precious, and would never recur in my lifetime. I still dream about all of those things. Thank God I lived through that time & place -- it made me who I am.

Margery Williams

December 21, 2016

I had tried for years to learn where Pierre had moved after he left Detroit and only now, sadly, came upon this notice. We were classmates at Michigan State and fellow members of Theta Alpha Phi, the national theatre honorary. I was privileged to see several of his productions at Cass Tech while I was at Wayne State and working in the Detroit Public School system. There are not many people who stick in one's mind after 55 years, but I so admired his creativity, his commitment and his integrity. Although this is so belated, I send my condolences to his family.

Nancy Hartung-Arnfield

June 7, 2016

Eligah Boykin Jr.

March 27, 2016

October 20, 2015

An incredible teacher and even greater friend. He gave me a future worth living.

David Remer

October 19, 2015

Still learning from you, Pierre! I'll never forget you coming out and telling the audience to mind their manners during the matinee performance of Thornton Wilder's 'The Skin of Our Teeth'! I thought you were part of a show where anything could happen and did!

Thanks for helping me enlarge my understanding about Knowledge and Time!

Eligah Boykin Jr.

December 4, 2014

Pierre was that teacher ... the one that changes your life ... the one who you continue to talk about years later.

While at UMKC, I took every single class he taught (despite his brutal determination to schedule his classes at 8:00 am). With Pierre, you knew you would have to work. Hard. You learned. Really learned. He brought out things in his students they didn't know was in them. Years later, I still have some of my papers that show his comments.

After graduating, I continued to speak each semester to his writing classes and we remained friends for many years before losing touch. I just Googled him to see where he was and discovered this very sad news.

Thank you Pierre. You changed my life with yours.

Jean Graeff

December 2, 2014

I just saw this today. It's been almost fifty years and I remember him still. The photo posted here shows him with an expression I often saw in the sixties at Cass. He made a lot of artsy kids feel like we belonged, at the same time making it plain we were expected to work and work hard. A fine teacher, and memorable man.

Joyce Howard Fisher

October 12, 2014

Beverly Farrand

September 8, 2014

What a charismatic, enigmatic, invigorating man and teacher. He WAS the Performing Arts Department, at Cass Tech. I had him for classes of course, but it was after school hours, in the Auditorium, sitting 3 rows back, centre seat, during rehearsals, that he filled that room with his energy, his visions. He was the first teacher that treated us as adults, even when we were really just children standing at the edge of the pool, being dared by his charm and worldliness, to take the plunge. In his passing, I can only imagine him parting with these words from "Spoon River Anthology", which still resonate in me to this day, having been first heard as an impressionable 17 year old student, "...I think I'll sleep. There is no sweeter thing, Nor fate more blessed than to sleep. Here, world, I pass you like an orange to a child. I can no more with you. Do what you will ..." Sleep well Mr Renner!
Nick Georges, Stage Crew, Cass Tech 1968 - 1970

Nick Georges

December 30, 2013

I just learned of Mr. R's passing. To say I was shocked is an understatement. His was a personality so big that you can only think it will go on forever. Well I guess he will go on in the influences he had on so many students. That includes myself as well. God bless Mr. Rener. CT class of '69.

Lavon Frady-Jawor

November 10, 2013

I just learned of Mr. R's passing. To say I was shocked is an understatement. His was a personality so big that you can only think it will go on forever. Well I guess he will go on in the influences he had on so many students. That includes myself as well. God bless Mr. Rener.

Lavon Frady-Jawor

November 10, 2013

You were a huge influence on my life. Thank you. David CT "72

August 27, 2013

I think about the things you taught us in class all the time. I have a successful communications career in large part due to your basic principles. You are missed very much, and never forgotten. Thank you.

Jennifer Olson

May 3, 2013

Hi Pierre:

Just finished my Master of Fine Arts Degree in Creative Writing with Full Sail University. Really was looking forward to celebrating more of our successes together. Anyway, I'm sure we'll get around to it someday.

Have a good one,

Eligah

Eligah Boykin Jr.

April 6, 2013

Rest in peace, Mr. Rener. I know we will meet again one day in heaven.

Michael Gray-Jordan
Portland, Maine

April 5, 2013

Mr. Rener was my most memorable teacher back at Cass Tech. He regularly spurred me to stretch beyond what I thought I was capable of and achieve new things. He was the first person to recognize and support me in a leadership role. Best of all, he introduced me to the process of creating collaborativly in an environment of mutual support and challenge--still my favorite activity.
I'll long remember the smell of his cherry blend pipe smoke in the school offices. "Roses over the footlights to you, Pierre" ( she said with a sly wink).

Lilith Ren

January 25, 2013

Mr. Rener was my teacher and "drama coach" at Hubert many, many years ago. He introduced me to one of my passions,the theatre. Everytime I walk into a performance venue or go to Broadway in New York he is in my heart. I still remember spending a whole class talking about Santa Claus. He made a big difference in my life. He walked to the beat of a different drum! I was fortunate to have contacted him via Facebook not long ago to thank him and I will be forever grateful that I had the oppurtunity. I hope his family and friends have the great memories that I have. I feel very blessed to have known him.

Leanne Zerlak Somerset

May 21, 2012

Happy bday dad, I miss you. Say hi to mom for me.

Brian Rener

May 10, 2012

I just found out about Prof. Rener's passing. I had him for 1 class, and the first day, I thought I had stepped into hell. By the last day, I wrote him a personal thank you note with a pen that wasn't a ball point (just like he taught us) to thank him for his guidance and his knowledge... and the business card holder he had monogrammed with my initials, a gift he gave to all of us who made it to the end. That meant so much than any A ever could. Thank you again, Prof. Rener.

Erin McFadden

April 7, 2012

Pierre was by far the best, most astute and coolest professor I had in my years at UMKC. I remember how he started my first class with him by explaining that an assignment turned in late meant no paycheck and an absence meant you were fired. He groomed media hungry students for the industry and he did it in a way that was enormously effective. When I think about groundbreaking educator, he's the top on my list. I had some illuminating conversations with him in his office about Australia and his family. A brilliant man that no doubt had a good ride giving his all to every one around him ..

Joe Dimino

January 23, 2012

I first met Pierre when I interviewed for a position at UMKC in April 1999. We spoke often during that visit. Pierre came across as blunt, no-nonsense and somewhat stern. He said a lot in few words. I liked him immediately. After I was hired, I got to know Pierre well. His new office (I was given his old one) was next to mine. His advice, especially during my first years, was invaluable.

When Pierre entered a room, he projected vigor and at times, a “take no prisoners“ attitude…kind of like George C. Scott in “Patton.” Yet, Pierre was kind, thoughtful and unfailingly courteous. He always asked me about my family, how I was doing, and he never missed sending a card to each person in the department during the holiday season. Most of all, he had incredible character.

I miss Pierre…his presence…his ponytail.

Peter Morello

January 8, 2012

No doubt-about-it, Pierre was “one-of-a-kind.” For all of Pierre's students; his classes were “unforgettable” experiences. Over his many years of teaching in the UMKC Department of Communication Studies, I have heard, over-and-over-again, from so many students, that his classes were their most valued memories.

So many of Pierre's students told the same story: on the first class day, he scared them to death. They thought Professor Renner was the meanest man in the world! But, they quickly learned that Pierre was, quite to the contrary, the most caring, involved mentors they would ever know.

I always thought that Pierre's love of theater was at the root of his equal love of playing the role of the ComS department resident “curmudgeon.” While he was a great performer, and could play that role to the hilt, but to anyone who got to know him, including his colleagues and students, Pierre's “cover” was quickly blown.

Pierre was a gentle soul, with an open heart, always ready to not only challenge, but also encourage and inspire his students. Pierre was one-of-a-kind who will never be forgotten in the history of the UMKC Department of Communication Studies.

G. Tom Poe
Chair, The Dept. of CommS, UMKC

G. Tom Poe

January 4, 2012

Pierre always remembered me on Secretary's day, with flowers and a card mysteriously appearing outside my office door even years after he had retired. He was a kind and gentle man. I'm so glad I got to see him here in KC over the summer. Peace to you and your family.

Jennifer Underwood

January 4, 2012

I've often overheard our best students say that Pierre Rener was the best teacher they've ever had at UMKC. They would know. Pierre was greatly missed when he retired. He was a great colleague and educator.

Gregory Gutenko

January 3, 2012

He always took us seriously - he challenged us intellectually and creatively.
I am saddened to learn of his death, but grateful for his teaching and mentorship. My life changed for the better when I joined Kids Show. thank you, Mr. Rener, from one of your students at Cass Tech, graduated 1971

Beth Girshman

January 1, 2012

Pierre was, at various times, my brother, roommate, mentor, teacher and friend. He was always at his best in one-on-one situations, when the real Pierre came out. He influenced my life in a variety of ways and part of him will remain in me always. I wish I had been able to say farewell…..

Jim Thomas

December 30, 2011

Thank you for the kind words on my Dad.

Brian Rener

December 30, 2011

It was just a day or so ago that I was standing in my kitchen when I had a very specific memoy of Pierre and the time his father came to see him perform in a student production at Cass. I'm saddened to hear of his passing. My thoughts go out to his family and friends and to the scores of us for whom he was such an important figure.

Rick Allen

December 28, 2011

So very sad to hear about the loss of a man who was one of the biggest influences in my life. He taught me what a great teacher is and does. My condolences to his family. I hope they have many wonderful memories to sustain them in the coming days and years.

Terry Cowen

December 28, 2011

Never thought this day would come. A great mind and a great legendary presence
in the annals of educational and creative thought. I was really looking forward to encountering him again once I finally got my 'act' together! You ever want to know where archetypes spring from
you have only to study the life of this
remarkable man. Part Bogart, part Sherlock Holmes with a touch a Lee Marvin
mixed in with Socrates, who else could get half a dozen young teenage black males to sit in Quikee Doughnut smoking their pipes? I wish a whole lot of things, but mostly that I could sit with this gentle 'tough guy' one more time and contemplate the 'stuff that dreams are made of'!

To say this hurts is the understatement of all time.


Until we meet again, Pierre.

Eligah Boykin Jr.

December 28, 2011

I remember hiccups and cherry blend pipe tobacco and endless cups of coffee and a million other wonderful high school memories from Cass Tech.

Thank you, Pierre. Rest in peace.

Gloria Goldman Quinn

December 28, 2011

He was an excellent teacher (professor). Thanks to his patience and his help telling me that I could do it when I would say, " I can't do it" I learned a lot in his class.

Kim Herron

December 27, 2011

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