Last updated at 20:53, Thursday, 14 June 2012

The funeral takes place today of a High Harrington man who was always willing to lend a hand to help others.

Joseph Wren, 74, of Broadacres, collapsed and died while playing golf on Tuesday, June 5.

A member of West Cumberland Lions, Workington Probus Club and the freemasons, Mr Wren was due to become Lions president for the third time later this month.

Born in Workington in 1937, Mr Wren, known as Joe, grew up in Moresby. He attended Moresby School and played for the village’s rugby union club.

He moved to Bransty at 17 and lived there until he married Kathleen at 23. The couple moved to Broadacres and lived there ever since.

Mr Wren began his working life as a blacksmith at Lowca Pit.

When that closed he moved to Thames Board, which later became Iggesund, and worked in the power station until he retired at 59.

A keen sportsman over the years, Mr Wren did everything from squash to archery and fencing.

He had been a member of Maryport, Workington and Whitehaven golf clubs.

He joined Workington Bowling Club a few years ago.

His wife said: “He thought when he got too old for golf he’d be able to play bowls.”

He joined the Lions in 1987 and was president in 1995-6 and 2005-6.

Always willing to muck in, he would help wherever he was needed and was a stalwart of the club’s Christmas grotto at Dunmail Park.

He volunteered to have wet sponges thrown at him in the stocks at Curwen Park during Workington’s Paint the Town Red festival last month.

Lions president Keith Miller said: “It’s sad to lose a long-serving member.

“He was always a willing member and he and Kathleen were always involved in things.

“He always liked a laugh and worked hard and played hard.

“He had always been excellent at whatever he did and gave it 110 per cent.

“If there was a job wanted doing Joe was always there to do it.”

Mr Wren was a member of numerous freemasons’ lodges, principally Workington’s Sun & Sector Lodge.

The night before he died he was among a group of masons and helpers who built a beacon at Workington Harbour to mark the jubilee.

Freemason Joe Strong said: “He was a member of several orders in Scotland as well as Cumberland and Westmorland.

“He was very, very genuine. He was an excellent member and an example to others.

“He’ll be sadly missed.

“He was a very good friend to many.”

Mr Wren also enjoyed holidays and spending time with his wife around his busy social life.

Mrs Wren said: “His week went Monday – bowls, Tuesday – golf, Wednesday – computer classes, Thursday – golf and Friday we went shopping. At the weekend we spent time together.

“He was a man’s man. Whatever he’s done it’s been with men – golf, bowls, the Lions and the freemasons.”

His popularity is clear from the many sympathy cards which now line his home – well over 100.

Mrs Wren said: “They all say he never said a bad word about anyone and was always cheerful with a smile on his face.”

Mr Wren’s funeral will be held at 2pm at St Mary’s Parish Church, Harrington, followed by cremation at Distington and a wake at Hunday Manor.

Donations in his memory can be made to Masonic charities or Diabetes UK via John Sandelands Funeral Director in Seaton.

He is survived by his wife Kathleen, sister Dorothy and his wife’s brother William.

Another sister, Annie, predeceased him.

The Lions’ changeover dinner, when Mr Wren was due to become president again, has been cancelled as a mark of respect.

First published at 19:23, Thursday, 14 June 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk