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HENRY R. PENNER Obituary pic

HENRY R. PENNER

Born: Apr 16, 1934

Date of Passing: Jul 31, 2014

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HENRY R. PENNER April 16, 1934 - July 31, 2014 Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31) It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Henry R. Penner. Henry passed away peacefully, during an afternoon nap at home on July 31, 2014, with his loving wife by his side. Henry leaves behind his life partner of 53 years, Donna (nee Bell); children Layna Penner and her husband Fred Goeke, Mona, and Lucas and his wife Jackie Hogue, as well as his grandchildren, Kirsten, Signe, and Lara Penner-Goeke. He was predeceased by his parents, David F. and Helen Penner, parents-in-law Clarence and Ethel Bell, his sisters Anita and Evelyn, and in-laws John, Arno, Peter, Glen and Elizabeth. He is survived by his siblings, Elnora, Mary, Stan, Caroline, Wes, Winston, Leonard, and Ken and their families, as well as in-laws Dan Giesbrecht, Clare and Donna Bell. Henry was born in Lorette, MB and moved to Landmark at a young age where he attended school. He continued his education at the University of Manitoba where he obtained a B.A. and B.Ed. It was at Manitoba Teachers' College where he met Donna, whom he lovingly referred to as "the woman of my dreams". In his early years, he worked at several family businesses including the family farm, Penner Puff Wheat Company, and a logging operation in National Mills, MB. He enjoyed all his teaching years, including schools in Tourond, Plumas, Gladstone, Thompson and Winnipeg. His last 17 years of teaching were spent at Springfield Colony, where he made many lifelong friends. Henry always loved camping and travelling, especially during his 25 years of retirement. In the summer of 2013, Henry and Donna spent 46 nights camping at Falcon Lake among family and friends. Henry had a strong Christian faith and a generous spirit which led him to spend many years volunteering for churches and other organizations, including 22 years at Harvest Ministries on Nassau Street. He played and coached sports, and was the first president of the Hanover-Taché Hockey League. Henry and Donna raised their family on a farm, which Henry liked to refer to as "the first farm in Eastern Canada", as it was located near a sign marking the centre of Canada. They later moved to Landmark and then St. Vital, where Henry loved his daily walks along the Seine River. The family would like to thank the health care professionals and the Palliative Care Team, who made it possible for Henry to spend the last few months at home with his family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to EMC Missions or Mennonite Central Committee in memory of Henry. His funeral will be held at Prairie Rose Evangelical Mennonite Church in Landmark on Wednesday, August 6 at 2:00 p.m. A fellowship meal will be provided by Heartland Community Church after the service. Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for me! And may there be no moaning of the bar, When I put out to sea, But such a tide as moving seems asleep, Too full for sound and foam, When that which drew from out the boundless deep Turns again home. Twilight and evening bell, And after that the dark! And may there be no sadness of farewell, When I embark; For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place The flood may bear me far, I hope to see my Pilot face to face When I have crost the bar. - Tennyson

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 02, 2014

Condolences & Memories (9 entries)

  • It was nice to share so many memories with Wanda after your special "Celebration of Life" service for Henry. His walk with the Lord on earth now continues. Sending love. - Posted by: Sandra Valois (cousin) on: Aug 08, 2014

  • We are thinking of you all. I always remember Uncle Henry as a happy and content man. He was always glad to see you and was interested in what was going on in your life. Pat and I will not be able to attend the service. We just cannot do that yet. I know you will understand. Love to you Aunty Donna, Layna, Mona, Lucas and your families. Pat and Debbie - Posted by: Pat and Debbie Mooney (Neice) on: Aug 04, 2014

  • For me Uncle Henry always seemed the most happy person on earth. He found something interesting in each event. Two events that I remember with fondness are: 1. when I was about 12, I was training for the Red Rock Bible Camp 100 mile bike-a-thon together with Faith Eidse. Uncle Henry offered that we could cycle from Steinbach to his farm on highway #1. It was such a windy day that Faith and I thought we were not even moving while we cycled. However, after many hours we arrived, and Uncle Henry and Aunt Donna welcomed us for the night. Henry was busy making choke-cherry jam. It was dripping from a pillow case hung suspended from the door knob of the cabinets - every now and then he would "give it a squeeze" and make a cheerful comment. I have now used that technique myself and it makes great jam! 2. A few years ago I took up sea-dooing. First I gave my Aunt Caroline a ride (that is a long story) - but for now let's just say that we both ended up in the drink and the sea-doo was motoring off on its own. Uncle Henry thought this was so funny, and he was convinced that if Aunt Caroline had gone for a ride he should too. I kind of think he was convinced we would sink - but with a big laugh we took off from the Falcon Lake Camping beach and had a great evening ride. After that Aunt Donna and Uncle Henry had us down for a great camp fire! Excellent memories! - Posted by: Gwendolyn Friedrich (neice) on: Aug 04, 2014

  • Whenever Uncle Henry met my grandchildren at Falcon Lake, which was quite frequently, he would ask "Have you had your fudgicle today?" Then he would give them $5 to go buy an ice cream treat. Sometimes, he would stop at the cottage simply to drop off a box of ice cream treats. My grandchildren called him "the fudgicle uncle". Uncle Henry was a kind and generous man. - Posted by: Audrey Hill (Niece) on: Aug 04, 2014

  • Dear Donna and family, I am so sorry to read of your dear husband, father and grandfather's passing. My most heartfelt condolences and prayers during this sad time. Sent with love, Wanda Brockie - Posted by: Wanda Brockie () on: Aug 02, 2014

  • Because someone we love is in Heaven, there is a little bit of Heaven in our Hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. For all of our beloved fathers. - Posted by: Jeanette Dirksen (friend to daughter Mona) on: Aug 02, 2014

  • Auntie Donna and family, our condolences to all of you. Uncle Henry will be missed. He was so cheerful and full of life. We love you lots! - Posted by: Norma Doerksen (neice) on: Aug 02, 2014

  • Auntie Donna and family, our condolences to all of you. Uncle Henry will be missed. He was so cheerful and full of life. We love you lots! - Posted by: Norma Doerksen (neice) on: Aug 02, 2014

  • my deepest sympathy to the penner family ,may God keep you near to Him in your time of sorrow - Posted by: lena wurtz oakriver colony (my teacher) on: Aug 02, 2014

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