On July 6, 2019, Henry (Hank) Penner passed away at the Christine Morrison Hospice in Mission at the age of 79. Hank was born in Mission on February 24, 1940, to George and Edna Penner. The first of 12 children, he graduated from Abbotsford Senior and went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree at UBC. On April 11, 1963, he married Gail, with whom he would spend the next 56 years. Hank and Gail raised their three sons in Mission, and in 2004 they moved to Abbotsford, where Hank would spend his retirement years. Hank loved all things sports. He won the 1959 athlete of the year trophy in high school, where he played (at least) soccer, basketball and rugby. He watched any sport that was on television and he loved keeping track of team and player statistics. He also had a keen interest in learning, and seemed to know a lot about a lot of things. Hank was an educator for many years. He taught in Fort St. John, Keremeos, Yahk and Trail, before returning to Mission, where he was a beloved teacher and principal to his students at McConnell Creek, Manson, Edwin S. Richards, Dewdney and West Heights. His spirit just can't be captured in a few lines. He had a kind heart and a genuine interest in the people he interacted with. He was gentle, but he was strong. He was our go-to for any big decision that had to be made. Hank was predeceased by his father George, his mother Edna, his brothers-in-law John, John (yes, two Johns) and Mark, his sister-in-law Mary, and his nephew Brian. He is survived by his wife Gail, his sons Steve (Amie), Rick (Amanda) and Darren (Ty), his grandchildren, Sam, Curtis, Audrey, Patrice, Abi and Noah, his siblings Ruth (Dick), Mary, Edna (Paul), Rudy, Linda (Ken), Carol, Jim (Twyla), Della (Sal), Garry (Cecilia), Rick (Cindy) and Rob (Joy), his mother-in-law Fern, his sisters-in-law Dianne (Dale) and Donna, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Final arrangements are being handled by Bakerview Crematorium, and online condolences may be made at bakerviewcrematorium.com. At Hank's request, there will be no funeral service. Cancer won this round, but it can't take our memories or change what comes after. Our loss is heaven's gain.
Bakerview Crematorium & Celebration Centre Ltd.