The only son of a Norwich businessman, who owned a chain of shops in East Anglia, he went to Unthank College and then won a scholarship to Gresham’s School, Holt, in 1939. He volunteered for the Royal Engineers in 1943 and after a period at Birmingham University, was commissioned in 1945 and served in Italy, Greece and Egypt. He qualified with honours as a solicitor in 1950 having served articles in the city with Sir Ronald Keefe. He developed an extensive practice, and in the days before solicitors specialised, provided a thoroughly professional personal service. Gifted with a razor-sharp memory, he had a phenomenal recall for detail, which served his clients well.
After 41 years on the legal scene in Norwich, he retired as senior partner of Crotch, Brenner and Dunkley but remained as a consultant to the Prince of Wales Road firm, later Hatch Brenner. He was succeeded by Leslie Dunkley, who had been his best man at his wedding in May 1964. In February 1985, the 400 members of the Norfolk and Norwich Law Society had elected him president.
For much of his career, he played a key role as legal advisor to the Norwich Hebrew Congregation and was involved with Synagogue affairs for many years; he was secretary during the years that the present Synagogue was being planned. A founding director of Norwich Playhouse, he also served on the advisory board of the University of East Anglia’s School of Law and was closely involved with the Sainsbury Centre. He also sat as a deputy district judge and a registrar of the High Court in Norfolk and Suffolk and also at county courts around the region and as a member of various tribunals, including as chairman of the Mental Health Tribunal.
He had a great love of music, especially jazz, and was a talented painter. Known for his generosity of spirit, sharp wit and sense of humour, he was always good company. He once gave a brief lecture about his life and recounted anecdotes to fellow members of the Strangers’ Club. When it ended, it was noted that the talk has lasted more than an hour and a half – and his audience had been left almost spellbound. Always a good listener, it was no surprise to learn that he had been a Samaritan for many years.
He is survived by his two of his six sisters, including Mariam, who still lives in Norwich and has celebrated her centenary. He leaves a daughter, Maxine and son, Mark, and stepsons, Mark & Robin Schofield.
The Brenner Family
Read the EDP article on Victor here