RICHARD KEMP RENNER

1946 - 2025

RENNER, Richard Kemp Of Sherborn, MA, died peacefully, surrounded by family, on February 19. He was 78. Rick was an architect, designer, photographer, endurance athlete and environmentalist, but above all else, he was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. Rick was born in 1946 in Bellevue, Ohio, the oldest son of Elizabeth and William Renner. His relationships (and all associated mischief) with his brother, Peter, and late brother, Bill, were incredibly important to him. After studying political science at Williams College, Rick went on to study architecture at MIT. While living in Boston during graduate school, he saw a group of cyclists riding closely together in a pace line along Fresh Pond Reservation. Curiosity soon became a passion for cycling that eventually led him to complete many of the most rigorous hill climbs in the world on his bike, including Mount Washington and L'Alpe D'huez. He was determined to pass on his love of uphill sports such as hiking, nordic skiing and cycling to his children and eventually succeeded. After architecture school, Rick and his first wife, Charlotte Albright, moved their young family to Portland, Maine, where he practiced architecture until his retirement in 2022. Although Rick's attitude regarding his professional accomplishments was modest, he maintained a reputation for designing buildings that not only enhanced the lives of their occupants, but embodied the values of responsible design. His leadership in the green design movement resulted in many LEED certified buildings in Maine and beyond. In the words of a colleague, his work reduced his client's environmental footprint with buildings that nurture positive human experiences. He was a leader in NESEA, a non-profit dedicated to promoting sustainability practices in the building industry. His dedication to collaboration in the design community led to many strong friendships that he treasured deeply. In 2019, due to his exceptional portfolio of work and his kind, generous mentorship of emerging architects, he was inducted to The College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects. The collaboration that brought him the most joy was evident in the projects, both personal and professional, that he created with his wife, Janet. Together they designed and renovated spaces for themselves, their family and friends and also worked professionally on several projects that are enduring examples of inspiring synchrony between two different but complementary styles. They shared a love of time spent at home with their blended family and cherished friends, of finding beauty in unexpected places and a reverence for art and culture in all forms and mediums. They found sparks of creative inspiration everywhere, from the hills of Tuscany to their own backyard. Rick's absence will be felt intensely by everyone who loved him, but especially by his children and grandchildren. He was passionately curious about their interests and never stopped finding spontaneously silly ways to make them laugh. Rick is survived by his wife, Janet Friskey; his brother, Peter Renner (Mary Renner); his children, Kate Renner (Benjamin Mirkin) and Will Renner (Samantha Renner); his stepdaughters, Hannah Friskey (John Paul Kwasie), Alison Fields (Joe Fields); and his grandchildren, Raya, Hannah, Pearce, Harrison, Birdie, Vey, Shane, Marjorie and Marigold. "Whamadoodle, Grampa!" A Celebration of Life will be planned for the Spring or Summer. Rick's family is grateful for the excellent care he received at Mass General. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Rick's name to the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center or the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association, NESEA. For online guestbook, please visit: www.everettfuneral.com John Everett & Sons Natick 508 653 4342