Raymond "Ray" Penner

PENNER – Ray Penner beloved husband of Maureen Penner of Preeceville passed away on Thursday, September 14, 2019 at the Yorkton and Regional Health Centre. He was sixty seven years of age.

     Raymond Penner was born on June 13, 1952 in Steinbach, Manitoba one of eleven children of Ben and Sarah (nee Thiessen) Penner. Ray grew up on the family farm and attended school in the district. After completing school Ray began working in road construction in Manitoba.   Ray met and later married Maureen Guiboche on July 3, 1982 in Brandon. Ray and Maureen lived in Brandon for a number of years and then moved to Birtle where Ray worked as the Town Foreman. They later returned to Brandon where they established a general contracting business called RDM Enterprises. They did landscaping, all types of carpentry, building many garages and other construction projects. In 1990 Ray and his brothers Russell and John bought Preeceville Salvage and Preeceville became their new home. Later Ray bought out his brothers and became the sole owner of the business.

     Ray discovered a new passion when he began farming in 2001, establishing Pennco Farm. After his retirement he continued to enjoy farming and would often continue to help out at Preeceville Salvage often attending auctions for the business. For the last many years he enjoyed farming and the fall and harvest being his favourite times of year.

     Ray loved to dance with his beloved Maureen. He enjoyed collecting antiques including furniture, cars and vintage tractors. Ray and Maureen loved going to Mazatlan in Mexico over the past twenty five years. He especially enjoyed it when other family could join them for a visit down there. Ray had a wonderful sense of humour and loved to visit with family and his many friends on coffee row.

     Ray was predeceased by his parents; his grandson, Jeremy; sisters in law, Martha and Shirley.

     He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of thirty seven years, Maureen and their family; step children Randy, Tommy, Sonya (Bruce), Cathy, Des (Tracy) and former son in law Maik; his grandchildren and great grandchildren; six brothers Russell (Tina), John, Burton, Peter, Darren (Sarah), Donald (Shirley); his four sisters, Katherine, Phyllis (Ben), Yvonne (Dick) and Betty (Paul); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

   Funeral Services were held  on Thursday, September 19, 2019 from the Chapel of Preeceville Funeral Home with Rev. Miles Russell of Trinity United Church officiating. The pianist, Karolyn Kosheluk with members of the Trinity United Church choir led the congregation in the singing of the hymns ‘How Great Thou Art’, ‘Old Rugged Cross’ and ‘Make Me A Channel of Your Peace’. Interment followed in the Preeceville Community Cemetery with John Penner serving as the urnbearer. Memorial Donations in memory of Ray may be made to the Preeceville Long Term Care Auxillary as gifts of remembrance. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.preecevillefuneralhome.com

Arrangements were entrusted to Preeceville Funeral Home.