GORDON PENNELL

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GORDON PENNELL 1929 - 2015 The final whistle has sounded. Dad has hung up his skates for the last time. The evening of Sunday, September 13, 2015 with family at his side, our loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather Gord Pennell slipped away peacefully to join his beloved wife Carole. His laughter, songs and fun-loving spirit will be greatly missed by son Todd and wife Marianne, daughter Robin and husband Derek, son Grant and wife Anne, plus numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces. Dad loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, nephews and nieces, and all their friends. Full of a mischievous sense of fun, Dad was always laughing and joking around. We cherish our memories of skating with Dad at the Duck Pond, swimming at Sandy Hook, the many softball games, playing golf, and having the time of our lives. He taught us to always play fair and to "give it our all" in everything we do. Our father lived an absolutely remarkable life. Born in Winnipeg, he grew up in Weston, where he made many lifelong friends, including Kathy, his first wife and our mother. His athletic abilities shone from an early age. It was in hockey that Dad excelled, as a player and coach. He played junior first in Winnipeg, then with the Barrie Flyers, He quickly moved up to the AHL Buffalo Bisons, playing seven seasons, was an AHL All-Star and a part of AHL East Championship teams. He retired from professional hockey in 1957 and the family returned to Winnipeg. In 1959, Dad signed on as coach of the Winnipeg Rangers. Over the next 23 years he earned a reputation as a gifted and strategic coach, helping many young players make it to the NHL and other pro leagues, The list of players he mentored is a who's-who of Manitoba hockey stars. His last hockey adventure was playing in senior and old timer leagues. In the early 1980s Dad and the Winnipeg Club Oldtimers travelled to Moscow and faced off against a Soviet Select Oldtimers team that featured players from the 1972 Summit series. He was inducted into the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007. Dad succeeded in business, too. He was senior partner in MGM Sporting Goods, as well as spending many years in the insurance industry. Most of all he was a terrific father who was never too busy to help us out, cheer us up, or do something special. Dad was predeceased by wife Carole to whom he was devoted, daughter Brucie, sister Joyce, and parents Tom and Hilda. The family extends heartfelt appreciation to the staff of 7W at Deer Lodge Centre for their exceptional compassion, caring and friendship to our father. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Dad's life will be held October 15. In remembrance, charitable donations may be made to Deer Lodge Centre Foundation. Dad, we love you. Keep your head up and your stick on the ice! For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 204-885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 19, 2015