Martin Reid Penner
March 30, 1939 – January 20, 2022
In the early hours of Thursday, January 20, 2022, Martin passed away at the Dryden Regional Health Centre after suffering with the impacts of Parkinson’s Disease for several years.
Martin was born in Steinbach, Manitoba, to parents Emil and Margaret Penner – the second of five children. In the early 1950s, he moved to Northwestern Ontario with his family. He attended Quibell School and Dryden High School. After high school, he moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from Bethel Bible College. After graduating from college, Martin returned to Northwestern Ontario and began working at the Colenso Sawmill alongside his father, uncles and cousins.
During this time, Martin met Glenna Justice and in June of 1966, they were married. Together, they built a beautiful home north of Vermilion Bay, where they raised their family and built memories for 55 years.
After the sawmill closed, Martin began tapping into his creative nature and turned countless pieces of wood into beautiful works of art. He skillfully made everything from small trinket boxes to large pieces of furniture with superior craftsmanship and attention to detail. He supplied stock for their gift shop, “The Woodshed”, in Vermilion Bay for many years.
In addition to woodworking, Martin’s artistic talents shone through his painting, carving, sketching, wood burning, stained glass,… We, his family, have many of his special creations and we will cherish them always.
When asked about their favourite memories of Grandpa, snowmachine or trike excursions topped the list for every one of his grandchildren. There were always exciting outdoor adventures to be had with Grandpa: snowshoeing, teepee building, trailblazing, winter picnics, … and the list goes on and on. Martin was a kind and gentle soul who will be dearly missed.
Martin is survived by his wife of 55 years, Glenna, his son, Graham (Tracy) Penner of Dryden and his daughter, Allison (Andrew) Halayko of Oakbank, MB. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Brock (Alexzandria) Penner, Wade (Rachel) Penner, Emma (Jed) Benham, Martin Halayko and Liam Halayko. Martin was Great Grandpa to Seely Penner. Also surviving are his siblings: Barry (Helga) Penner, Iris (Mark d. 12/20/21) Kimberley and Kirby (Pat) Penner and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws. Martin was predeceased by his parents, Emil and Margaret Penner, his brother Alan and Alan’s wife Carol Penner, his brother-in-law Mark Kimberley, and his in-laws Walker and Lyla Justice.
We would like to thank the nursing staff, kitchen staff and housekeeping staff at the Dryden Regional Health Center for their kind and compassionate care during Martin’s final weeks.
A private memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 26 at Our Saviour Lutheran Church
If friends so desire, donations can be made to Parkinson Canada or a charity of your choice through the Stevens Funeral Home, PO Box 412, Dryden, Ontario P8N 2Z1
