John Penner

Dad was born on Sept 11, 1932, in Neidpath, Saskatchewan, 1 of 5 children of the late Abraham and Katarina Penner. He was predeceased by his first wife, Marilyn Penner (nee Todd), and his second wife, Sharon (McDonald), brother, Vic, sister, Edna, and his brothers-in-law, Henry and Rueben.

He is survived by his three daughters, Tammy (Bill), Teresa (Tibi), and Laura (Ken), 2 Stepsons, Ken and KC, grandchildren Katrina, Jamie, TJ, Cole, Marlie, Cassie, Leah, Gray, Alicia, Weiss, Alex, and Jake. Great-grandchildren, Arthur, John, George, and Wyatt, Sisters Elsie, Clara, and sister-in-law Anita. Along with many other family and friends, we will cherish his memory as he made a lasting mark on all our lives. His absence leaves a void, and life will never be the same without him.

Born into a hardworking prairie wheat-farming family, Dad learned the values of dedication and perseverance at an early age. By the time he was eight years old he was already working the land, guiding a horse-drawn binder through the fields and helping plant the crops that sustained the family.

Life on the prairies was never easy and when farming could no longer provide a living, Dad often said his father “saw the writing on the wall.” At just fourteen years old, Dad, who would one day be lovingly known as Poppy to his grandchildren, packed up with his family and left Veregin, Saskatchewan, behind for good. Their belongings were loaded into a CN boxcar and with hope for a better future they headed west, settling in Surrey British Columbia.

Following in his brother Vic’s footsteps, Dad began his career with CN Rail where he dedicated 39 years. For 36 of those years, he worked as a CN train engineer in British Columbia. It was good, honest work, and it gave him the satisfaction of knowing he was providing for his family.

Dad enjoyed playing baseball and was a catcher in his youth. He passed that love of the game on to his daughters and loved watching them play when he wasn’t working. He would also help them practice their skills by throwing flyballs in the backyard.

Dad was also a devoted fan of the BC Lions and the Vancouver Canucks.

Music was always a large part of his family life, which he passed down to his children. Dad would often pick up his guitar and when the moment felt right, he would sing his favourite Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash songs, those moments that now mean everything.

Dad enjoyed good health throughout his life. He had a great sense of humour, he loved a good laugh and enjoyed having fun. For many years he hosted an open house on Boxing Day, welcoming friends and family who would drop by throughout the day.

He was a good friend, humble, reliable, helpful, thoughtful and kind. Dad had a way of endearing himself to others. He was a true gentleman who spent much of his life as a caregiver, this included raising his three little girls on his own after the passing of their mother, his first wife, Marilyn. What brought Dad the greatest joy was having his family around him. Family always came first.

He was the best Dad, and he meant the world to us. He will forever remain in our thoughts and in our hearts.

As per Dad’s wishes, no formal service is planned. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Terry Fox Foundation.