Anthony (Tony) Glen Penner
June 11, 1962 - January 26, 2024
As published in the February 5, 2024 World-Spectator
Tony passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 26, 2024 at the age of 61 years. He may have died of a broken heart, losing the love of his life and beautiful wife, Angela, just a month earlier in December 2023.
Tony was born in Virden, Manitoba on June 11, 1962—the sixth son of Edgar and Ellen (Peters) Penner.
He attended elementary school in Kola and high school in Virden. His first day of school, at the age of 6, he was so excited for recess that he jumped out the window of the classroom. But that 10 foot drop was something he didn’t forsee.
He excelled at sports, especially hockey and baseball. A knee injury curbed his hockey career, but he stayed an avid fan (especially for the Jets) right to the end. He and his dad would often place a friendly bet on who would win the game.
Family trips to California and Alaska were highlights for all of us, and provided fodder for many laughs through the years. Closer to home, summers spent at Clear Lake and Cranberry Portage, the family living in Norway House, and fishing trips with the brothers to northern Manitoba all created many great memories.
Since hockey didn’t quite work out, Tony turned to music as a focus. He started out as a drummer and ended up as a lead singer. Tony had charisma and could hold an audience’s attention in the palm of his hand. Together with brothers Randy and Lawrence, and friends Tom and Troy, they started a band and honed their skills playing local events. Once they were ready, they fixed up an old city metro bus and hit the road. For three years they traveled through Saskatchewan, Manitoba and northern Ontario entertaining and having a blast.
Once he returned home, Tony mostly worked on the family farm, side-by-side with his brothers and nephews to do pretty much anything that was needed. He even didn’t mind getting his hands (and other things) dirty to help build up the family farm! He was close with his nephews and nieces as one of the “cool” uncles and took much interest in their lives.
Once in a while, he took a turn doing commercial painting with brother Randy. Unfortunately, he suffered a major fall during one such stint and severely damaged his ankle, which created limitations with the type of work he could do after that.
Tony met his wife Angela just across the border in Maryfield, Saskatchewan. They made a home for themselves, and later their two children, Dillon and Samantha, in the Saskatchewan countryside between Maryfield and Kola. They were so close knit, the four of them. They did everything together. Gardening, quadding, farming.
One of their favourite things to do was play Man Tracker. Tony on the quad, Angela and the kids hiding in the bush. And then there’s the trip to Florida, one of their fondest memories. They had so much fun visiting family, swimming, golfing, touring and shopping.
Dillon and Samantha’s mom and dad meant the world to them. They stayed close to both their extended families for their whole time together and had just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in July.
Tony is survived by his children, Dillon Penner (Aleah) and Samantha Penner (Brendan); parents Ed and Ellen Penner of Brandon; siblings Greg (Diane) Penner of Brandon, Travis (Rose) Penner of Virden, Bob (Martha) Penner of Kola, Lawrence (Becki) Penner of Kola, Angela (Dieter) Meier of Brandon; nephews and nieces Brett Konkin, Allister Penner - Adrian and Annika, Conrad (Shantelle) Penner - Seth, Amelia, Lilly, Milo, Zac (Lacie) Penner - Swade, Blaze, Derek Penner - Xander, Tristin, Mya, Avery, Nick (Melissa) Penner - Aria, Macy, Lexi, Tyarra (Jason) Barker - Chanel, Bria, Saige, Judah, Danny (Sarah) Penner – Isabella, Rhett (Brittny) Penner - Roman, Gunner, Paige Ostroman, Thomas Meier and Michelle Meier; in-laws Harvey and Jacqui Lawless, Krista (Lee) Downer - Stevie, Brynn, Chad (Khristina) Lawless - Trystan, Kayleigh, Aydan, Kenzy and Rylan, as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Tony was predeceased by his wife Angela, brother Randy, nephew Steven Konkin, paternal grandparents Abram and Mary Penner, maternal grandparents Jac and Maria Peters, and Tina Peters, several cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.
Tony was a force to be reckoned with. He had opinions and was not afraid to share them. There were many hours of discussion centered on current events where political correctness was not of primary concern. He had the most incredible big laugh. We will miss that, for sure.
He was a passionate man that wore his heart on his sleeve, and wasn’t afraid to give hugs and say “I love you”.
He just seemed to be getting his feet back under him from losing Angela so suddenly, and was starting to see a little light.
Tony was so grateful for all the friends, family and neighbours that had reached out and helped in so many ways—the prayers, phone calls, food, visits, hugs. If he didn’t get a chance to thank you in person, he would have eventually.
Tony — you were loved by many, we will miss you greatly, and know we will meet again!
Memorial contributions can be made to Maryfield Sunrise Villa in Maryfield, Saskatchewan in honour of Tony and Angela.
A Celebration of Life for Tony was held Friday, February 2, 2024 at Kola EMC.
A private viewing and family burial preceded the funeral.
All nephews and nieces will be considered as Pall Bearers.
Messages of condolence may be placed at www.carscaddenfuneralchapel.com.
Carscadden Funeral Chapels Ltd. Virden, Manitoba in care of arrangements.
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