John Penny

John Penny, age 80, passed away suddenly on February 14, 2019, at the Cypress Regional Hospital, Swift Current, SK. He was the loving husband of Sharon, the father of two sons, Sean and Kevin, and grandpa to five grandchildren. John Everett Andrew Penny was born December 13, 1938 to William & Gulielma (nee Burley) Penny in Balcarres, SK.

The family was living in Weyburn, SK when John’s father passed away. They moved to Cupar, Dysart, and Big Beaver, among others, until Mrs. Penny began working at International Bible College (IBC) in Outram, SK, teaching the primary grades in the public school. John attended the three-year Bible course at IBC, earning his way by shoveling coal to the large boilers. John also worked a few different short-term jobs, such as a farm labourer and a Fuller Brush salesman. The family then moved to Swift Current, residing in Suite 16, Earls Court. Here, he pumped gas for three years at Century Motors until one day the boss of Great West Auto, George Wiebe, walked across the street and asked John if he would like to come to work at Great West Auto — George had noticed John’s gift as a salesman. 

John stayed with GWA for 35 years. He took early retirement and pursued his own self-employed business dreams. Part of his time at GWA had established his first business venture — renting cars. He had always been a car buff, so this came quite naturally — he could do his own minor repairs and maintenance. A few years later, he entered the property management business. John & Sharon also delivered and picked up vehicles for City Auto, and later for Enterprise Rent-a-car.

One Sunday morning, with a life-long friend, Stan Sartison, he accepted Jesus as his Saviour and began a new walk of faith. Over a period of time, John met Sharon Kathryn Ann Peterman and pursued her for two years. John & Sharon were married July 2, 1967 in the Estevan Church of God. Their son, Sean Everett, was born June 1, 1973 followed by their youngest son, Kevin Andrew, on January 27, 1976. They had bought a small bungalow on the north side after living for a year in a basement suite. Later, they bought a house on the south side before building a new home beside the lot where Alpine church stands today. John preferred the south side and, when the boys left home, bought their current residence.

The church played a very important role in John’s life, his commitment to his church family was foremost in his life. Over the years he served as Sunday School teacher, youth leader, assistant clerk to George Wall, played the tambourine during worship after a trip to Jamaica, and loved doing the senior and nursing home services with Sharon. John was a people person who loved meeting new people. His greatest desire was that all would come to know Jesus as their personal Saviour. “Each person who has crossed my path has affected my life.  Remember that when you meet someone new.”

John’s favorite scripture was Joshua 24:15, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” and his favorite book of the Bible was the Gospel of John. His favorite colour was red and his closest walking companion — other than Sharon — was his 16 ½ year old Lab/Chow cross, Winston.

John is survived by his wife of nearly 52 years, Sharon Penny; his sons, Sean Penny (Swift Current, SK) and Kevin (Daina Mae Heisler) Penny (Plymouth, MN); and by his grandchildren, Everett Andrew Penny, and Ashlyn Elizabeth, Andrew Kevin, Jonah Frederick, and Rylee Anne Penny. John was predeceased by his father, William Penny (Country Antrim, Ireland) and his mother, Gulielma Penny (Ontario, Canada).

The Memorial Celebration of Life for John Penny was held on Friday, February 22, 2019 at 2:00 pm from Alpine Church of God, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Curtis Cave officiating. “Hosanna (Praise is Rising),” “This is Amazing Grace,” “This I Believe (The Creed),” “How Great is Our God,” “As it is in Heaven,” and “Endless Hallelujah” were sung by the congregation, with Janie Klassen and Sharon Penny serving as musicians. I Corinthians 13:1-7, 11-13 was read by Ashlyn Penny. The obituary was read by Daina Penny. Eulogies were given by Kevin Penny and Sean Penny. Memories were shared by Walter Engel, Dennis Heppner, Alex Allan, and Bob Emerson. The ushers in the church were Pryston Holfeld, John Wall, Bob Dyke, and Firdesse Bokore.

In memory of John Penny, donations made to Gideons International, Alpine Church of God, or a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.

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