It is with great sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Harry Penner on January 18, 2017. Harry was born on March 20, 1937 in Didsbury, the oldest of six children to Henry and Helen Penner. Raised on a farm, Harry and Betty returned to the farm in 1966. In 1982, Harry was paralyzed in a farming accident. They continued to farm until making the difficult decision in 1987 to sell and move into town. Through pure determination, his accomplishments included walking again for many years as well as involvement in many business ventures. These ventures included Chinook Grain, Super 8 Motel and Didsbury Mini Storage. He donated his time to numerous organizations in the Didsbury area and touched many lives. Determined to not let his disability hold them down, Harry and Betty travelled extensively as long as their health allowed. After Betty passed away, Harry chose to live in their home up until the day he died.
Harry was predeceased by his loving wife, Betty, brother Bob, eldest son Glenn, niece Lindsay and grandson Marinus. Harry is survived by his brother Eldon (Olinda) Penner and sisters Ella (Art) Neufeld, Betty (Lyle) Brown and Elviera (Don) Enns, sister-in-law Judy Penner, his aunt Mary Brown, two sons Jim (Twyla) and Brian (Patty), daughter-in-law Denita, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, along with various nieces and nephews and many friends.
A memorial service will be held at the Zion Evangelical Missionary Church in Didsbury on Saturday, January 28 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rosebud Health Foundation.