Wren, Harold G.,

passed away peacefully on June 13, 2016, at age 95.

Hal as everyone knew him, had a rich and full life. He was born in Norfolk, Virginia, and raised there and in Brooklyn, New York. He served as a Japanese language officer in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific during World War II, later rising to the rank of Captain in the U.S. Naval Reserves. He received his undergraduate and law degrees from Columbia University and a Masters degree from Yale University, going on thereafter to work in Japan on a Fulbright Scholarship. For most of his professional career, Hal worked as a law professor and dean of three law schools, including the Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville. A specialist in tax and trust estates law, he authored several books in his areas of expertise, as well as one on Of Counsel relationships between lawyers and law firms.

In 1948 he married Beryl Bird, who joked that the bird married the wren. Their long marriage ended with her sudden death in 2006. She, like her husband, was a wonderful person. She also was a wonderful hostess and accomplished cook. They had two sons who both survive Hal, James Wren II, also a naval reserve officer and lawyer, who lives in Williamsburg, Ky., and Geoffrey Wren, also a lawyer and an administrative law judge, who lives in Portland, Oregon. Hal is survived by four grandchildren, Joshua, Joanna, and Jonathan in Williamsburg, Ky., and Angela in Ellicott City, Maryland.

Following Beryl's death, Hal became partnered with Marilyn Kenealy of Prospect, Ky. Hal and Marilyn enjoyed a rich and rewarding relationship for ten years. Marilyn misses him greatly.

Hal was a long-time communicant at St. Francis in the Fields Episcopal Church. There he sang in the choir and served as Senior Warden. He also was a long-time member of the Conversation Club, where over the years he gave some of the most interesting and best researched papers the Club has experienced. As recently as within the last year he presented a great talk about Brooklyn, a city he loved. Never tiring of law practice, Hal continued working into the last year of his life, serving as an arbitrator in labor disputes.

A memorial service celebrating Hal's life will be held at St. Francis in the Fields Episcopal Church, 6710 Wolf Pen Branch Rd, on July 6, 2016 at 2 pm.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Courier-Journal on Jul. 3, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Harold Wren

Sponsored by The Courier-Journal.

5 Entries

Jacqueline Kanovitz

July 5, 2016

Hal was a colleague at the UL School of Law and a friend and will be deeply missed by faculty, former students, and members of the legal community. He was a man of great integrity and his optimism was endearing.

Beverly Glascock

July 5, 2016

I had the great privilege of being in Professor Wren's estate classes and also of being one of his research assistants. The research ended up being used for a book he wrote that was published by the ABA, and even though I was a lowly law student, he insisted on listing me as a co-author and splitting the royalties with me. That says so much about the kind of generous man he was. He really wanted everyone to be successful. And how he loved teaching law, practicing it, and writing about it! He made a big impression on my life and I will never forget him. I can still hear his voice and the greeting he would always give back when asked how he was doing: "I'm just tip top!"

July 4, 2016

Harold was a personal hero. He served with distinction as a naval officer in naval intelligence in World War II. He was at the battles of Okinawa and Iwo Jima. I had lunch with him some time ago. I planned to have lunch again, but unfortunately it is too late. I became acquainted with him over several years when I and the union choose him to do labor arbitration hearings at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Harold was always fair and impartial. I enjoyed reading his opinions. I often quote his published labor arbitration opinions in my own labor arbitration decisions. He is my role model as a labor arbitrator. I recently sent him a clipping from a former law student from Oklahoma. The former student recounted a discussion in law school with Professor Wren. The student corrected Professor Wren and he candidly admitted making a mistake. I discussed the matter with him on the phone. Harold laughed and enjoyed reading the clipping. The student further indicated that Professor Wren had left a deep positive personal impact on him. I will miss the opportunity of calling Harold. I will never forget him.

Daniel Kininmonth

James Buchanan

July 4, 2016

"Slim" as we knew him (Hal) was my uncle. We last visited with him here in AZ in 2001. My mother Ethel Wren Buchanan, Slims sister, passed away in 2011 at the age of 92. Slim was a smart, witty guy and fun to be around. He will be missed. Our condolences to his immediate family.

James and Wendy Buchanan

R. Warren

July 3, 2016

Hal was one of my favorite law professors, and one of the most positive people I've ever met. A scholar and a true gentleman. He will be greatly missed!

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