Neil Penner

1924 – 2006

Suddenly on June 11, 2006 near Gladstone, MB Neil Penner of Morden, completed his earthly responsibilities.  The Lord provided him with an outstanding and fruitful 82 years of earthly life and is now blessing him with the eternal treasure of glory in His presence.

He will be greatly missed by his loving wife of almost 59 years, Dorothy (nee Brown); 2daughters, Sharon and Lawrence Hamilton of Whiterock, BC, Lorraine Penner of Winnipeg; son Doug and Lynda Penner of Morden.  Also cherishing his memory are his granddaughter, Stacey and Kevin Hildebrand, great granddaughter, Jenessa; grandson, Mathew as well as 7 sisters.

He was predeceased by his parents and 2 sisters.

Neil was born on July 10, 1024 to Peter and Margaret Penner.  He was the only son in a family of 10 children.  He was a typical rural Manitoba child born in Plum Coulee and raised in nearby communities – wherever there was work for his parents.

At age 16, during a revival crusade, Neil surrendered his heart to the Lord.  Then within a year he joined the Canadian military, serving with the air force during the Second World War.  The Lord protected Neil through the hardships of war during his 5-year tour of duty, and he returned home at age 22.  Shortly after his return to Canada, he met and married Dorothy Pearl, the oldest daughter of Peter and Mary Brown.  They were married on June 27, 1947 and god blessed them with 3 children.  Neil loved his wife and family unconditionally and with all his heart.  He especially enjoyed visits from his grandchildren and great granddaughter.

Following his return to Canada, Neil became involved in the transport business and soon owned his own truck, which was used for hauling gravel.  By his early thirties, this business experience led to the contract transport of mail from Vancouver to Ottawa and points between.  Neil retired from this business at age 50 and pursued his recreational interests of snowmobiling and horse back riding.

He owned a Skidoo dealership for 3 years and also participated in various races.  He was awarded a number of trophies for competitive excellence.  One of them was 10^th place in a field of 350 in a 3-day snowmobile race from Winnipeg to Minneapolis.

One of the highlights from dad’s horse back riding career was his participation in the RCMP commemorative March West ride from Manitoba to Alberta.  At age 75, he was the oldest rider in the event.  He was very proud to be the Manitoba ride master and as a result of that position, he was sworn in as an honorary North West Mounted Police officer for the duration of the ride.  The ride was very difficult as they experienced rain and more rain along with unseasonably cold temperatures but Neil braved the elements and was the only rider to complete the entire 1200 mile/53 day ride.

Just last year, he made a trip to the Netherlands and participated in uniform in various events honoring the 60^th anniversary of the Canadian-led liberation of Holland.  Neil said that marching in the grande-finale parade in Apeldoorn was one of the most fulfilling moments in his life.

Neil worked hard for more than 50 years to strengthen the Morden Pentecostal Church.  His church was very important to him and he was proud to be identified as Pentecostal.  Neil spoke of his faith and God’s love to friends and strangers at every opportunity.  He lived what he believed and practiced what preached.  He lived his life in such manner that he was ready to meet his God in the blink of an eye.

Funeral service was held at Morden Mennonite Church with Rev. Weldon Yeo officiating.  Interment followed at Chapel Cemetery.

The support, love and compassion our family has experienced is overwhelming.  From the workers at the crash site to friends and even strangers, we have been surrounded by people wanting to help.  All of the hugs, food and most of all prayers have made it possible for us to function in an impossible situation.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  You will be blessed for your willingness to minister to those in need.

If friends so desire, donations may be made to Home of Hope Orphanage 3015 Gainesborough

San Antonio, TX78230, USA.

Wiebe Funeral Chapel, Morden in care of arrangements.