HAROLD PETER PENNER

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DR. HAROLD PETER PENNER Dr. Harold Peter Penner was born in Winkler, Manitoba on October 13, 1959. He grew up in Steinbach where he graduated from Steinbach Regional Secondary School. Harold was ten years old when he had his first epileptic seizure. That shaped the rest of his life. He would have multiple seizures almost every day and was on many medications, which had many side effects. In 1990, he had brain surgery at the University Hospital in Saskatoon. His main interests were reading, writing and studying. He attended Providence College where he received his Bachelor of Arts, University of Winnipeg for his Master of Divinity and finally McGill in Montreal where he earned his Doctorate in the study of the Philosophy of Religion. He dealt with many hardships to accomplish that but somehow managed to succeed in his education. After that he moved back to Winnipeg. Then just two years ago, February 22 and 24, 2012 he had a very difficult brain surgery at the Health Sciences Centre after which he went through many months of rehabilitation before he could move into his own apartment again. Recently he was again having more seizures and life became very difficult for him. He was found unconscious in his suite as a result of a seizure and was taken to Health Sciences Centre and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. He did not regain consciousness and after two weeks, Monday, March 10, 2014, he was taken off life support and he passed away. He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed. He is survived by his parents George and Marion Penner, two brothers: Brian and Robert; his sister Valerie and her husband Richard Markovitz; nephews: Yishai and Tobiah, and one niece Tavi. We would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at the MICU for their kind and supportive care. The funeral service will be held Saturday, March 15, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Grace Mennonite Church, 430 Third Street, Steinbach, Manitoba, with burial to follow at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach. A viewing will be held at the church prior to the service. If friends so desire, donations in memory of Harold may be made to Epilepsy and Seizure Association of Manitoba, 4 - 1805 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB R2V 2A2. Arrangements by BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL 1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 13, 2014