Downer and Renny, September 1942. Renny's baptism.
Claude Downer Renshaw, Jr (aka Renny) was born in New York on September 8, 1942. He probably will not be happy to be reminded that just one month later the St Louis Cardinals defeated the New York Yankees (4-1) in the 1942 World Series.
The Claude A Renshaw family play with Renny, Easter, 1943
Renny then (c 1947) and now (2006)
According to Charlotte:
His absolute favorite favorite thing to do for his birthday is to get together with his daughters(and sons-in-law as applicable) for a long weekend in some fun place (often works out well that his birthday is close to labor day!) For example, on his 60th birthday we all went to Toronto for four days -- saw a few ball games, restaurants, museums, CN tower, etc.
Three years ago we met up in south Bend for labor Day weekend and had a "Lobsterfest" birthday dinner out on the deck followed by all manner of desserts and board games. Two years ago Craig and i met my folks in Chicago for dinner and a birthday celebration.
He like getting presents, of course (especially those having to do with the New York Yankees), but he gets the biggest kick out of hanging out with his fam.
We've all helped him celebrate every once in a while.
Renny et al celebrate his 50th birthday, 1992.
Renny et al celebrate his 60th birthday, 2002.
In all of this birthday fun, it's also important to recognize that Renny has also had a very successful life and career. BTW, he get more hits on google than any of us.
Read a little about him.
- Deduct it! An irreverent look at taxes.
- College professor wins CPA teaching award
- His column in the South Bend Tribune: "Tax Talk"
As the oldest child, Renny did everything first. Which was fine until now. Now he's only one year away from being eligible to collect Social Security. That means it's not too far behind for the rest of us.
Maybe Renny should buy us all breakfast at JBs to celebrate his 65th birthday next year. With his first Social Security check, of course.
Happy birthday, Ren.




The picture of Renny and Downer is from Renny's baptism. Downer had been transferred back to Miami (from New York) right after Renny was born. I wouldn't get on the plane till Renny was baptized. Renny was barely 3 weeks old.
Posted by: Honey | September 13, 2006 at 03:08 PM