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George PENNER

December 4, 2004

After a long, hard and stoically courageous battle with cancer, George Penner passed away peacefully at Chilliwack General Hospital on December 4, 2004. He was 73 years old.

George was a modest man with a quick wit and fun loving spirit. His humourous antics surprised and endeared him to all. As an expert card player, he guided his wife Betty in winning Bridge competitions and paid for many trips to Vegas and Reno with his expertise at the Blackjack table. He always knew when to “hold ‘em” and when to “fold ‘em and walk away”.

He was born in Central Butte, Sask. on December 10, 1930 and his family moved to Yarrow when he was 10. In his early years he worked in the hop fields, in logging camps, on highway construction, and then for Chilliwack Dairy. He later became a driver/salesman for Dairyland for 40 years until he retired in 1990. He became a good friend to many of his customers and was invited to speak at the weddings of their children.

In his lifetime he always enjoyed the outdoors. He hunted, fished, played softball, umpired ball games, golfed (never seriously) and exercised by jogging and bicycling. In his later years George walked every day with his wife, Betty; indulged his grandchildren, enjoyed cooking and kept an immaculate yard. His love of driving led them on many adventures throughout their retirement. He also loved his many trips to Maui with his family. This year he celebrated 52 years of marriage to Betty.

Above all, George was and “old school” gentleman and a leader of his family. His decisive manner, quiet strength and accepting and forgiving nature was and is an example to follow.

George will be sadly missed by his wife, Betty and daughter, Marilyne (Alan) Marshall, both of Sardis and his grandchildren, Erin and Stuart. He is also survived by his sisters, Mary (Floyd) Froberg of Bellingham, Washington and Martha (Jim) Boyd of Sardis; brother, Henry Penner of Langley and sister-in-law, Lydia Penner of Sardis.

He was predeceased by his brother, David Penner.

George’s family would like to sincerely thank Dr. Richmond and Dr. Fitzpatrick and also Dr. Lee and Dr. Karvat at the Surrey Cancer Centre. Also, thanks to Cindy Nicholl, Daphne Williscroft and the very kind and caring nurses, physiotherapists and hospice volunteers at Chilliwack General Hospital and to Al and Joanne at Pentlands, Chilliwack.

Graveside Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2004. It is requested that those wishing to attend the graveside service gather at Henderson’s Funeral Home Chapel at 2 p.m. A formal funeral procession to Vedderview Gardens Cemetery on Watson Road will follow. A reception will be held after the service at the tea room of Henderson’s Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in George’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.



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