Obituary of Walter Penner

Walter Penner    February 5, 1930 – December 8, 2020

Predeceased by his beloved Martha.  Dear father of Wendy Armstrong (George), Karen Penner, and Lorraine Klassen (Rob).  Loved grandfather of Nik and Ben Klassen.  Brother to Harry (Bonnie), Ernie (Paula), and Elfrieda (Rudy) Penner.  Predeceased by parents Jacob and Katie Penner; siblings Janet (Ben) Froese and Rudy (Tilly).

Walter was born February 5, 1930 in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Jacob and Katie (Braun) Penner.   Walter celebrated his heavenly homecoming on December 8, 2020, at the age of 90.

Walter grew up in a loving family and the Mennonite Brethren Church community.  He accepted the Lord as his Saviour at age 15, and was baptized two years later in Port Dalhousie, Ontario.  The family lived in several communities in Manitoba before relocating to St. Catharines, Ontario when Walter was 16 years of age.  Initially, Walter worked alongside his father building and renovating homes, and then finish carpentry.  Shortly thereafter, he transitioned to Rigby’s, where he worked in multiple roles in the wholesale hardware industry, and later, as general manager at Harwin-Hardox.  Walter took care of many customers over the years, and his goal was to serve them as Christ would want him to.

While sharing rides and serving together at Scott Street MB Church, Walter and Martha developed a deep friendship and love that would last a lifetime.  They were married September 5, 1959 and celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary shortly before Martha passed away in 2010.  Fairview MB Church became their church home since its opening in 1960.  Tabor Manor became their home community in December 2001.

God blessed Walter and Martha with three daughters – Wendy, Karen and Lorraine – in the short span of three years.  Over the years, the family expanded to include two sons-in-law, George and Rob, and two treasured grandsons, Nik and Ben.  Walter loved his family dearly and well, and spoke proudly of them to anyone who would listen.

Walter always had a wonderful smile, a thoughtful word, and a humorous tidbit for everyone.  He was known for his deep faith in the Lord, his kindness and willingness to help wherever he could, and was a devoted care-giver to his wife Martha over the years.  Walter loved photography, and spending time at the canal and the airport watching the activity there.  Over the last few years, he especially enjoyed the puzzle room at Tabor, and his coffee groups at the multiple Tim Horton’s locations around the city. When COVID suspended those visits, he would make coffee at home and call his friends on the phone.  And at 90, he could still beat his kids at Scrabble!

Even during his last weeks, Walter shared his love, and the love of Jesus to everyone with whom he crossed paths.  We often heard him praying out loud, and over and over we heard “Thank you Jesus that you love me; I trust that You are my Lord and Saviour.”  Our hearts are broken as we will miss him dearly - yet we rejoice in the hope that comes through our Lord Jesus Christ.  We know that Walter has entered heaven to the invitation:

Well done, well done,

My good and faithful one,

Welcome to the place where you belong.

Well done, well done,

My beloved child

You have run the race and now you’re home  (Well Done by The Afters)

Special thanks to the wonderful friends and staff at Tabor Manor who made it a joy for Walter to be a part of the community there.  We also deeply appreciate those who supported Walter at St Joseph’s Hospice in London, Ontario.

Private family service.  To honour Walter’s memory, donations to the Tabor Manor Radiant Care Foundation would be appreciated by the family.