Don Allen Wrenn

Don Allen Wrenn, 81, passed Feb. 7, 2023, at hospital surrounded by his family after a battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). He was born in Portland, Ore., to (Werner) Allen Wrenn and Martha (Harbinski) Wrenn. He grew up in Portland with his sister Mary where he attended Beaumont Grade School and US Grant High School (class of 1958). During high school he was a peanut vender for Beaver baseball at Multnomah Stadium where he earned enough to buy his first car named "Peanuts."

He followed his sweetheart, Susan Margaret Smith to attend college at Oregon State University to study business. With his academic achievements he was tapped into Blue Key, a National Honor Fraternity. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity.

After graduating in 1962 with a BS Degree in Business Administration he married Susan in summer before going to California for a job in management with Sears Roebuck. He became a proud father when his sons John and James were born. While living in Redondo Beach he learned to sail and spent time ocean racing his Cal 20 sailboat.

His interest in finances led him to return home to Portland where he started a new career with Dean Witter. With hard work and determination, he developed a clientele and was known for his ability to give practical advice. Then in 1971 his 3rd son, William was born. Don joined Piper Jaffray in 1976 as Managing Director advising on risk evaluation and security selection. He built one of the largest investment teams in the country, called the Wrenn/Ferguson Group with his sons and other partners. He retired from UBS Financial Services in 2015 after 46 years of dedication to his many clients.

Don became active in community service as Board member of the Oregon Food Bank, Senior Vice President of Columbia Pacific Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and Rotary Club of Portland. He joined the Multnomah Athletic Club in 1973 and played competitive volleyball, tennis, racquetball, and squash. He supported his three sons as they achieved the highest rank of Eagle Scout. He was on the Advisory Board of the College of Business at OSU and after many years of generosity became a member of the Milton Harris Society. He was also a member of the Lang Syne Society of Portland.

He enjoyed collecting art from regional artists. Vacations were spent at Neskowin where beach walks and campfires became favorite activities. He took up golf in 1987 when he joined Waverley Country Club, where he found his lifelong friends. He had two Holes-In-One. In 2008 he was elected President. During that year his son William Walter Wrenn passed away.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Susan; sons, John (Karen) and James (Tracy); six grandchildren, Soren, Cooper, Naya, Andrew, Alexander, and Adam; sisters, Mary Davis (Mike) and Jeanette Miller (Don); as well as several cousins, nephews, and nieces. As a family man, he took pride in the achievements of his sons and his six grandchildren.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a celebration of life, to be held at the Multnomah Athletic Club in April. Memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army. He left this world with no regrets or unfinished business.