Oscar Kurren

In 1969, Kurren followed one of his Brandeis University professors to the University of Hawai'i. He was a professor for 27 years at UH before retiring in the early 1990s.

"He was always a very driven, energetic, passionate guy, and that stands out in my mind about the way he pursued life," said his son, U.S. Magistrate Barry Kurren. "I often say that if anybody accuses me of having any compassion in my work it is due to him."

Oscar Kurren was born in Pittsburgh on July 24, 1921. He did his undergraduate work at the University of Pittsburgh, where he was part of the ROTC program and a member of the swim team. While a member of the Panther swim team, Kurren was considered for the U.S. Olympic Trials, his son said.

After graduating he joined the Army and was a tank commander and an officer with the 10th Mountain Division throughout its Italian campaign during World War II. After leaving the Army, he received his doctorate in social policy from Brandeis University.

"He was really passionate about social policy, politics and justice. He was a true social worker," said his daughter, Beth Kurren Cox. "He was able to go through things (in life) and then find a kind of peace."

Cox said her father believed in equity and did a lot of work to ensure that people got the services they needed. She said he was the most resilient man she ever knew, especially after he was twice widowed. "He lost two wives and then managed to find a wonderful girlfriend," she said.

Kurren was an active Rotarian, a member of Temple Emanu-El and an avid golfer and tennis player. Barry Kurren said that after his father retired from teaching, he took the same zest and drive for his former profession and poured it into golf and tennis.

In addition to his son and daughter, Kurren is survived by his longtime girlfriend Ethel Yamane, and two granddaughters, Amy and Laura. A memorial service will be held at Temple Emanu-El on June 16 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Gaile Kurren Scholarship Fund, University of Hawai'i Foundation.