HENRY PENNER

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

HENRY PENNER It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Henry (Hank) Penner on February 14, at his home, at the age of 86. He will lovingly missed by his wife Louise, and his four children Charlotte (Leon Johnson) Karen (Colvin Watchorn) Richard (Esther Penner) and Kathie. Also by his six grandchildren: Elise, Dayna, Brad, Erika, Ramy and Davis. Henry was born May 26, 1925, the third youngest of a family of nine, and spent his childhood and formative years on the family farm near the tiny hamlet of Osborne, Manitoba. He lived through the Depression without being unduly touched by it, protected by his position in a large family and a stable rural life. After completing his high school education he enrolled in Civil Engineering at the University of Manitoba and graduated in 1948. In 1949 he married Louise Willms of Winnipeg. His engineering career began in Winnipeg with the Water resources Division. He then worked in his field of structural engineering with the C.D.Howe Co. in Thunder Bay. Four years were spent in Red Rock, Ontario, a small paper mill town. The family moved back to Winnipeg in 1959, where Henry was employed by the firm of Smith Carter Partners until 1972. At that time he became a partner in his own consulting engineering firm Penner and Keeler Partners until his retirement in 1989. Over the span of his career he worked on many projects. Two of the more notable were at the corner of Portage and Main: the Richardson Building and The Scotia Bank Building. While his job occupied much of his time and energy, his other interests centered around his home and family. As the children were growing up, much of the family's resources and energy were spent building and improving a cottage at Jessica Lake. Here Henry shared his love of nature with the family, identifying trees and plants, and pointing out and naming cloud formations. A passion for sailing filled much of his time: while the Jessica Lake sailing club was active his Flying Dutchman was seldom absent from the race. After his retirement Henry had time for an ever growing number of interests. Always an avid reader, with a love for both literature and poetry, he joined Creative Retirement where he led a reading group. He took a keen interest in Winnipeg Mennonite Theatre, making several stage appearances. He took an active role in Prairie Performances, which put on many concerts. And his lifelong interest in nature was expressed in water colour paintings, some of which now adorn the walls of the cottage. At the age of 72 he revealed another passion: he went hang gliding, convincing some of the family to join in. No words about Henry would be complete without a mention of his sense of humour, which touched everyone he met. He never heard a good joke that he could forget and apparently he filed them all alphabetically by subject! All of his stories and jokes had this in common: they reflected his gentle and positive nature, and so were never mean or crude. His stories and jokes were the highlight of any gathering, and his generosity allowed him to laugh at everyone else's jokes, too. Henry taught all of his children that you do not truly have a sense of humour unless you are able to laugh at yourself. Here is what he wrote and wished to share: I have often heard it said that sometimes one must wait until evening to see how splendid the day has been. Compared to some of my contemporaries, I have indeed been given until evening. I have enjoyed the love and loyalty of my wife Louise without whom I could not have accomplished my ambitions. In addition I have seen four healthy children grow to maturity to become independent and responsible people of whom I am very proud. And I have enjoyed the arrival and growth of six grandchildren. Considering all the blessings, and despite all of life's trials and even tragedies, I believe that life is a priceless gift. In times of trouble I have been buoyed up by my faith in a loving God and His redeeming grace Funeral service will be held at First Mennonite Church, 922 Notre Dame, Friday February 17 at 11:00. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to MCC (Mennonite Central Committee); or to a charity of your choice.
Publish Date: Feb 16, 2012

HENRY PENNER We are sad to announce the passing of Henry Penner. Memorial service will be held on Friday, February 17, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at First Mennonite Church, 922 Notre Dame Avenue. Longer obituary will follow.
Publish Date: Feb 15, 2012

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 15, 2012