Alfred T. Penner – May 17, 1911 to July 17, 2009

“I know that my Redeemer liveth”. That was one of the songs, among many that Dad liked. 

Dad was one of 10 children born in Lanmark, Manitoba. He has two surviving siblings, the youngest, brother Pete and sister Doris Ketler; four children, Gordon (Dorothy), Jim  (Janet), Elizabeth (Andy) and Nancy (David); eight grandchildren, Cindy, Jerome and Burton; Terry, Scott and Jason, Bijon; and Natalie; 17 great grand children two great great grandchildren. 

Dad and Mom were both firm believers in Jesus Christ as their Saviour and brought this to us four kids, with church attendance and service being a vital part of our lives. Dad was a good bass singer and took part in the church choir as he had done as a young man growing up in Manitoba.

He sang in a men’s chorus and a quartet and took singing lessons for some time. Dad was a very generous person to his family, his church, missions and countless people who needed help in various ways. Till recently, we still heard stories of how he helped people out with food, new tires for their old tired car, or whatever was needed. He had a real ambition in learning to play the piano and fly an airplance as a young man but as times were tough, he did not realize those dreams. He, along with some siblings, moved to Northwestern Ontario around 1940 to start the lumber business. They worked tirelessly and eventually it became known as Colenso Lumber Company, all the while helping to build up the community.

He was a hardworking man and expected the same from his children. This sometimes caused a little strife, especially when we were young and didn’t always feel like working so hard but we can all say we matured with a good sense of community, honesty and an appreciation for work well done which brings peace and satisfaction to our well being.

He also brought his family much pleasure in the trips and outings we had as young children, traveling to the west coast, east coast and into different areas of the United States.

Money was not plentiful those days but he was determined to give us a taste and wonderment of other parts of our continent. 

He loved to have family around to talk and reminisce with about old times, occasions, family get-togethers or whenever there was a reason to be together, and not only his own children but nieces, nephews or whomever. His favourite place was the cottage at Indian Lake and after his working life was done, he and Mom spent every summer there.

The grandchildren all had great times there with Grandma and Grandpa all the while learning many things. Many guests and neighbours would stop in to have a chat, a cup of coffee and a piece of Mom’s great pie. The main thing was that everyone was always welcome.

Now in later years when his mobility was restricted he became a tremendous prayer warrior for his family and missions.

This lack of prayer on our behalf will be missed and felt by us all. Dad has been very lonely since his beloved wife Erika passed away.

Her identical twin sister also left us a few years ago and lately he was quite anxious to join “my girls”, (as he referred to them), in Heaven.

Funeral services for Alfred Penner were held Wednesday at 3 p.m. in the Upper Falls Baptist Church on Highway 105 with Dr. Kenneth Hanna officiating. Internment followed in the Upper Falls Baptist Church Cemetery.

Visitation took place Tuesday, July 21st from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Stevens Funeral Home. Should friends desire, donations to the Gideon Bible Society or a charity of your choice may be made through the Stevens Funeral Home, P.O. Box 412, Dryden, ON P8N 2Z1.