Peter Harold Penner passed away peacefully at approx. 3:00 pm on March 23, 2009 at the Palliser Regional Care Centre in Swift Current. He had celebrated his 63rd birthday just two weeks before on March 9th. He was the third child and first son born to Peter and Margaret Penner on March 9, 1946 in Herbert, Saskatchewan. Harold, as he was most often called, spent his childhood growing up on the farm at Gouldtown, just north of Herbert. He received his education at Big Coulee School, completing grade 8. From a very young age Dad was creative and had an inventive spirit. After leaving school, Dad worked for Jahnke Ranches and various other farmers. He also worked for a private telephone company, a road crew helping build the #1 Highway from Swift Current to Waldeck and roads in Thompson, Manitoba. It wasn’t long until Dad’s seemingly natural instincts would lead him to complete his GED and mechanic positions in Canadian Tire. Later he would work over 20 years for the Pioneer Co-op. After retiring from Co-op, he worked as a bank dispatch courier, until his health prevented him from doing so. He was gifted in many ways, particularly with electronics. Dad was witty with a keen sense of humor, liked to tease. When he laughed his eyes twinkled. He was soft-spoken and had a very kind heart. Dad was good at reciting and memorization. Although he didn’t like speaking in public, at Grandma and Grandpa’s special anniversaries he recited a German poem he’d learned as a child. That really pleased Grandma and Grandpa. Dad was a proud and loving father to Craig, Trevor, Kevin and Alexis. He spent many hours tinkering on our vehicles, saving us a lot of time and money which would otherwise have been spent in a garage. He enjoyed gardening and putting up the fruits and vegetables he’d grown. He is especially remembered for his rhubarb – sharing his fruit and splitting the plants for others. He baked bread and taught us how to cook. He liked to tinker and although he didn’t always finish the projects he started, he always had good intentions! Dad accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as His personal Savior and was baptized in 2003 at the Community Baptist Church. He loved music, enjoyed picking guitar and attending gospel jamborees. After Dad bought a computer he would spend hours downloading music, copying cd’s and giving them to family and friends. They are now a treasure to us. Our hearts are grieved at his passing, but we are thankful that he no longer has any pain. Many times in recent months he spoke with longing in his voice of going home and would point heavenward. Peter Harold Penner is survived by his four children Craig Penner, Trevor Penner, Kevin (Ann-Marie) Penner and Nickolas, and Alexis Penner Also survived by two sisters Margaret (Wes) Schapansky, Mary (Abe) Leiding and one brother Myles (Cindy) Penner, numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Predeceased by his parents Peter & Margaret Penner The funeral service and celebration of Harold’s life was held Saturday March 28, 2009 at 2:00 pm at Community Baptist Church, Swift Current, with Pastor Joell Haugan officiating. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Swift Current Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, or the Canadian Diabetes Association.
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