Henry H. Penner of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away May 16, 2001.

He was born Oct. 1, 1914 to Heinrich and Katharina Penner in Tiege, Sagradovka, Ukraine, the 4th of 8 children. In 1924 the family immigrated to Canada, settling on a farm in Blumenort, Sask.

After completing grade 12 in Swift Current, Sask., he attended Herbert (Sask.) Bible School for a semester.

In 1937 he graduated from Moose Jaw (Sask.) Normal School. He married Justina Schulz July 14, 1938.

In 1946 they moved to B.C. He taught at Sharon Mennonite Collegiate Institute in Yarrow for some years.

He then worked in real estate and insurance until retirement.

In 1953 he joined the Gideons. This opened the door to many opportunities to witness for the Lord.

After Justina's death, he prayed for another wife and married Justina's sister Maria Schulz, a retired missionary from Mexico. They lived in Saskatchewan for 10 years, then moved to a condo in Abbotsford for 4 years.

He was ill in his last months and spent his last weeks at MSA Hospital.

Predeceased by Justina, he is mourned by Maria; son Gerald; 3 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

The funeral was May 19 in Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, with Peter J. Klassen and William E. Thiessen ministering.