Obituary of Albert Penner

ALBERT DANIEL PENNER served the Lord all his life. From early on it was evident that God’s hand was upon him. He was thankful for the many blessings in his life and focused on living in Christ. Albert was born in Herbert, SK, on August 21, 1934. At a young age he moved to Fort Vermillion and then later to Didsbury where his dad farmed. Albert moved to the Peace River Country where he operated heavy equipment for a seismic company. While there he met Ruby Hamm ….. the prettiest girl he had ever seen. He would drive around corners quickly to have Ruby get closer. On June 6, 1959, they were married in Grande Prairie. They enjoyed 52 wonderful years together. Albert worked as a mechanic for two years; it was during this time that God called him to serve in ministry. Albert and Ruby moved to Peace River Bible Institute in Three Hills and where he received his Bible training. After Bible school they went to missionary candidate school in Philadelphia with the thought to be a mechanic along the Amazon River in Brazil. They then went back to Grand Prairie with this career path in mind and he apprenticed in mechanics for three years. Albert felt God clearly calling him to be a pastor. In his career as a pastor Albert touched the lives of many people. The churches he served in were: Gull Lake, Outlook, Glenside, Swift Current, Lethbridge, and Assiniboia. Albert then retired but still felt God’s call to minister and was asked to do interim preaching in several churches including: Elkford, Calgary, Daysland, Fort MacLeod, Rosetown, Rocky Mountain House, and finally Russell. He lived a life of giving to others and loved to preach no matter where he was. The theme of Albert’s ministry in every church he served was to preach the word, love the people, pray continually, and live in Christ. Albert was very close to God and often would go for long walks to seek God’s guidance in his life and in his ministry. Albert loved his family. He will be sadly missed by his wife Ruby. He will be missed by his brother Herman (and Hilda) Penner, his sister Olinda (and Eldon) Penner and his sister Norma Barber. He will also be missed by his daughter Terrie (and Wendell) Regier, his son Neil (and Naomi) Penner, his son Ross (and Cyndy) Penner, and his daughter Cheryl (and Trent) Regier. Albert leaves behind nine grandchildren who were the twinkle in his eye: Jesse, Madeline, Joshua, Kylie, Raechel, Mariah, Noa, Amy, and Joey. His favorite things were his leather lazy boy chair (on which he would do his grandpa thing), his Bible, shirts with a pocket, horn, hats, backpack, quad, and A&W Mozza burgers. He loved camping and hiking in the mountains. He also loved to visit the many friends from churches he had served in as well as his family and relatives. Albert’s life was a picture of God’s grace. People wanted to be around him because they sensed God’s presence. He helped people understand God’s love for them. He gave them the hope to believe that God would accept them just the way they were. He led them by example in Godliness and love for one another. Albert was ready to enter God’s presence. We rejoice that he is in God’s hands. “Therefore, if anyone is IN Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17. Pallbearers: Jesse Regier, Joshua Penner, Madeline Regier, Kylie Regier, Mariah Penner, Raechel Penner, Noa Penner, Amy Regier, and Joey Penner. Honorary Pallbearers: Ray Rysavy, Walter Vanee, Jim Edwards, Carl Tracie, Eldon Penner, Herman Penner, Don Heckley, His quading buddies Bob Dyck, Dave Weiler, and Brian Sawatzky. Ushers: Ray Rysavy, Walter Vanee, Jim Ginther, Harvey Klassen. The officiating pastor was Reverend Mike Smart. For further information or to sign the family book of condolence, visit our website at www.parksidefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were in care of Parkside Memorial Funeral Home.