Peter Toews Penner – September 13, 1923-November 1, 2009

Peacefully, after a brief illness, with his family by his side, Grandpa left us to be with his Heavenly Father.
He now joins his parents, one grandson Gavin, his siblings Neil, Eva, Emil, Alfred, Bill, Linden, Joe, George, and Sophie.
He leaves to mourn, the love of his life for 62 years, his sweetheart, Audrey; his children Janet (Peter) of Kenora, Greg (Madelon) of Vermilion Bay, Brian (Suzanne) of Kenora, and Mark (Lisa) of Fort Frances.  His grandchildren Tracy (Shelden), Brendon (Darcie), Erin (Chris), Linden, Michelle, Neil, Lauren and Kristen, as well as six great grandchildren. One sister Doris (Henry), sisters-in-law Margaret, Evelyn and Tine of Steinbach as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Dad was born in Steinbach, Manitoba to Martin M. and Elizabeth Toews Penner; he was the youngest boy of 11 children. Growing up in Steinbach, hard work at home and in the family businesses was a way of life. Dad was proud of his Mennonite Heritage. Mom and Dad headed to Red Lake Road to help with the family business at Colenso Lumber. Family time was very important to Dad and many happy times were spent at the Cabin at Blue Lake.
Dad loved the Penner Fish Frys and in later times Penner picnics where the whole Penner clan would gather, visit, enjoy sharing of food and have a ball game or two.
The Peter T. family moved to Zimmerman Drive as Dad then worked with brother Bill at Wooddale Lumber. He later returned to the sawmill where he finished out his working life travelling to Vermilion Bay and later Dryden to the sawmill.
In retirement Mom and Dad discovered the art of “dining out” and they could be found at many of the local eaterys sharing this time with family.
Retirement also allowed them to re-connect with neighbors and friends and very often they would travel to Hadashville to enjoy lunch with his siblings.
As his own children grew, many additions came to our family through spouses and grandchildren. Dad and Mom could be found at local hockey rinks and ball diamonds enjoying sports and activities of their children and later grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Dad was a generous man and many family and friends have been a recipient of his generosity whether it was farmer sausage, Steinbach cheese or Manitoba strawberries.
The family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Bowerman, the staff of LWDH the third floor who made his final days comfortable for both him and his family. Also to the staff of 2nd floor who made Dad “at home” during his previous stay, and finally to the staff of Birchwood which was his home for the past six months.
Visitation was held at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Funeral Services were held on Thursday, November 5, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at Lakeside Baptist Church with Pastor Allan Rundel officiating.
Online condolences may be made at www.MeM.com
Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre entrusted with arrangements.