Prof. John R. Hetland

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Hetland, Prof. John R. an emeritus professor of law at Boalt Hall, UC Berkeley, died February 16 of heart failure. He was 86. A Minneapolis native, he attended the University of Minnesota for both his undergraduate and law degrees, graduating in 1956. He took time off during law school to join the Navy, continuing with the Navy Reserves until 1965, when he retired as a Lt. Commander. In law school, he was first in his class, editor of the Law Review, and a law clerk to two Minnesota Supreme Court Justices. He worked briefly as a trial attorney, then in 1959 joined the faculty of University of California Berkeley's Boalt Hall School of Law and, in 1960, became one of the youngest full professors in the history of the school. In 1963, Prof. Hetland published the definitive book on California secured transactions, still cited as persuasive authority by the courts. That was followed by books that became the bibles for the bench and bar. Very few leading decisions in California on the subject of secured transactions have failed to cite and rely on Prof. Hetland's analysis contained in these treatises. As a teacher, he was known for being a popular and humorous as well as an erudite and demanding teacher. He taught many continuing legal education courses, often to hundreds of people for eight hours at a time, without a note. He was a visiting professor at the University of Singapore in 1972 and at the University of Cologne, Germany, in 1988. He became a full-time professor on half-time leave and opened a very successful consulting practice. "My experience in private practice helps to add credulity to my lectures. The students are aware that I speak from experience, not just textbook knowledge." He married Mildred Woodruff in 1951, divorced in 1968. He married Anne Turner Kneeland in 1972, and they became lifelong residents of Orinda. They were enthusiastic fans of Cal sports, known for their Big Game parties. They also enjoyed travels to all parts of the world, often with groups of friends. He spent many summers with friends and family at Lake Tahoe, and treasured visits with his extended family at Lake Washburn, Minnesota. He loved skiing and tennis when young, and bridge with his many friends as he got older. He was known for his dry Norwegian wit, his devotion to his Bichon Frises, overcomplicated home entertainment setups that no one else knew how to work, and a deep love of condiments. Prof. Hetland was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, James L. Hetland, Jr. and Barbara Taylor Hetland of Minneapolis; and by his son Robert Hetland. He is survived by his wife Anne; daughters Lynda Catlin, Debra Allen (Robert); step-daughters Robin Willcox and Beth Pickett; grandchildren Kelsey (Harry), Grant, Sandra, Thomas, Barbara, Clark, Reinhold, Alexandra, Kyle, and Reece; great-grandson Renato; and many much-loved nephews and nieces. A celebration of his life will be held in the spring. Those wishing to mark his memory are encouraged to donate in his name to the Berkeley Humane Society.

Published on February 26, 2017