WREN, John

Quotation
The doors that we open and close each day determine the life we live. Fiona Whittlemore
We are saddened to announce the loss of one of our esteemed members, Mr John (Blue) Wren. John, better known as Blue Wren, was the heart and soul of the Bower group, which met each day, and he was instrumental in its activities.
We offer our condolences and deepest sympathy to his brother Brian, his wife Chris, and his nephews, Gavin, Ronnie, and Craig (dec). We also extend our sympathy to those who have known John Blue Wren for so long and are feeling the loss and pain of someone who brought us so much enjoyment through his presence.
The Bower men and ladies group meets regularly to enjoy each other’s company and discuss a wide range of issues, often intellectual in nature, mixed with a good dose of humour.
Blue Wren would arrive, take his rightful place in the left-hand corner of the table, put his shopping bag behind him, and order himself a beer. Blue Wren would then go through the motions of saying g’day to everyone, seeking out what was on their minds and what would likely kick off the day’s conversation.
This is where Blue Wren excelled: his depth of knowledge, his worldly approach to many things, and, wherever possible, his ability to bring a little humour to everyone. Most days, he would open his phone and share the latest joke or satire he found while scouring the net.
Quotation
It takes rain and sunshine to make a rainbow.
John grew up in the outer suburbs of Melbourne in a caring family with his mum and dad, Bob and Dot Wren.
After graduating from school, John joined the Sun Newspaper production section as a typesetter and printer. He spent most of his working life in this career, becoming highly proficient at typesetting and framing pages for the printing press, always to tight deadlines. I once had the pleasure of going with him to Barham, where he explained to me and some others how the Sun Paper was created and produced. The most amazing thing was how they set the type, somewhat upside down and backward, so when the paper was printed, it came out in the correct order.
Blue Wren took these skills to Papua New Guinea, where, 3 to 4 years later, he helped produce a paper, sharing and drawing on his skills and the skills he taught the local New Guinean people.
During this period, he also married Robyn, and they settled back in Melbourne. Sadly, there were no children, and Robyn passed away some considerable time ago. This was a challenging time for John, as he missed her greatly.
His parents, Bob and Dorothy, moved to Cohuna to buy a home, and Blue Wren visited quite regularly. He would arrive on Friday evening, spend some time, and get to know people at the Cohuna Hotel, which led to many friendships.
Following the passing of his parents, John then became a permanent resident, well over 10 years here in Cohuna. He became a regular at the Bower Tavern and joined a group of like-minded people who played golf at least once a week. On their return to The Bower, one would hear all about the ups and downs of those golf games, as if they were playing for a sheep station. Blue Wren would endeavour to sort out the scorecard and the disagreements between Daryl, Michael and Darren over who actually won the day. If not, they would get Ross Wood to adjudicate any misuse of the golf rules. Turtle also sometimes commented on the Cohuna golf course layout. Always added to an interesting analysis of Blue Wren’s golf game.
Often, the greatest discussions were about football, particularly the AFL. Blue Wren was a Collingwood supporter through and through. That endeared him to some people, or it could be offside for being a Collingwood supporter. He defended the team’s performance, shared his view on what changes were needed, and was all in, confident they’d do well, and he well and truly enjoyed the banter that comes with such football discussion. Blue Wren always did well in the tipping competition each year. Blue Wren would always be ready for a banter battle with that die-hard Geelong supporter, Geoff Hornsby. It was well worth a seat at the table to watch the battle of words and tactics.

Some of the most pleasurable times we all shared with Blue Wren were when you could speak one-on-one about his life’s journey, his philosophical mind, and the principles he strongly believed in. Whenever someone new joined the group, he welcomed them and quickly helped them feel comfortable.
Blue Wren’s life had its ups and downs, with plenty of rainy moments, many sunny moments, and an effort to leave a rainbow, usually in a meaningful statement or a story with a strong punchline.
Quotation
My friend brings out the best in me, Henry Ford.
Blue Wren was open, valued people and friendships, and gave so much to the Cohuna community; he cared about others’ concerns, perhaps not enough about himself, and always showed loyalty and recognition of other people’s contributions and efforts.
We will miss greatly the odd remarks Blue Wren was so quick with, sometimes quirky, in discussion and debate on a whole range of subjects.
Blue Wren was one of those people you meet who enrich lives with their presence, humour, and simply by being who they are. Thankfully, Blue Wren left so many memories that each of us can cherish and reflect on, and we have many moments to remember him.
Blue Wren’s life can be expressed in these words.

I expect to pass through this world but once
Any good, therefore, that I can do
Or any kindness that I can show
Let me do it now
Let me not defer or neglect it, for
I shall not pass this way again.
There is no doubt, blue Wren, you opened and shut many doors during your lifetime, always sharing it with others. Thank you on behalf of our Bower meeting group; we value and appreciate it.
Kindness is the oil that takes the friction out of life. Unknown author
Perhaps that is one of the simplest ways to remember John ( Blue) Wren. The kindness we show and receive from others makes life more enjoyable. Blue Wren gave much of that to the people around him, as those very memories remain with us.

Rest peacefully, John (Blue Wren)
You will be missed but never forgotten.

Blue Wren, my old drinking mate you are already missed. Will treasure the memories at the Tav solving the worlds problems.
R.I.P. my friend.

Only known you for 4 1/2 yrs but will never forget you had some great times and many a beer at Tav and at home am really gunna miss ya old mate. Your picture of the draught horses is hanging on the lounge wall and will go wherever I go. Really gunna miss ya Daryl/Glenda party hard with her.
Love ya both to the moon and back.

Thank you John for the laughs, friendship & sharing your light hearted knowledge on footy & life.
Always great to laugh along with others who love Gary Larson’s Far Side.
Sympathy to all the family & his many friends at the Tav.
Kaye & Gary.