Obituary of HARRY PENNER

Harry Penner

March 31, 1960 – December 15, 2021

After a brief struggle with cancer, Harry Penner passed away on December 15, 2021. Harry was predeceased by his parents Herta and Willi and his brother Willi. He leaves behind his life partner Cathy, son Zach (Isabelle), sisters Ericka (Peter), Hilda (Rick), sisters-in-law Donna (Ian) and Lisa along with nieces and nephews.

Harry was so proud of the man that his son Zach had become.  Zach shared stories of his life with Harry and gave unconditional love to his dad during his final days Harry always responding with “I love you lots”.  Some of Harry’s favourite times were spent coaching Zach’s soccer team and seeing how talented Zach was. Zach was known for his powerful kicking ability. Harry and Cathy also spent many hours watching Zach ride his dirt bike at the floodway or the go-cart that Harry built for him around the property.

Harry was a passionate man and competitive.  Harry’s love of cars was passed down from his dad and he was a Mopar man known for his love of 1968 Dodge Darts.

His dad would be upset when Harry was escorted home for either having his windows tinted too dark or racing on Portage Avenue with his friends.  He had a close-knit group of friends who spent many hours working on their cars together.  Harry’s knowledge of cars and engines was well known and people were always asking him for advice.  Ken Murray helped Harry build the engine that made his Dart rocket down the track. Thank you to Ken for helping Harry “at the line” as well as to Vern Harrison who was with Harry during several events at Gimli and getting certified in Grand Forks under the NHRA.

Harry loved drag racing in his Dart.  He was a former member of the Midwest Wild Bunch. He ran his best time at Gimli Dragway of 7.42 seconds in September 2003 with an Indy Max block, Indy heads and blower puffing on 540 cubic inches. A friend convinced him to enter his ’68 Dart in the 2004 World of Wheels car show. His car was a crowd favourite and featured a

1,300-horsepower motor with stunning artwork by artist Dale Lawrence. Harry received five awards recognizing his prized 1968 Dodge Dart. His biggest enjoyment from being in the show was that his son Zach was there with him by his side along with Cathy who explained to many people that she was not the model used for the graphics on the car.  Cathy was there by his side supporting his love of drag racing and saw how happy he was when he was racing his car. Harry gave her the job of checking the air in the tires, adding methanol alcohol, changing the spark plugs, towing him to the line, helping him start the engine and sometimes working him back from a burnout. He held the title of fastest Dart man in Manitoba for many years and may still.

Harry also loved German shepherds and had several over the years.  He loved his dogs Jax and Harley. Jax will be by his side forever now and Harry will be missed by Harley who was always with him. He wasn’t a cat lover until he met Cathy when they blended their fur babies together to form a family.

Harry enjoyed watching movies with Cathy and helping her around the yard. He always told her every day that he “loved her lots”.  Harry had a kind heart and was always willing to help others out.

Thank you to Dr. Thor Choptiany who was his doctor and friend. He appreciated his advice and support throughout the years. 

Harry was seldom alone during his final days as his sister Ericka, Zach or his beloved Cathy were by always by his side making sure that he was comfortable and surrounded with love.  His sister Hilda was able to speak with Harry before his passing and always asked about him during his struggle.

Harry was thankful to the doctors, nurses and care staff at Riverview for the compassionate care that he received.  A special thank you to Dr. Nick who always checked in on Harry and made sure that he was comfortable. Angels do exist and they work at the Riverview Health Centre in the palliative care unit 3E.  Your kindness to Harry will not be forgotten.  Also thank you to Dr. Ethel MacIntosh and Dr. Ralph Wong at CancerCare. He was fortunate to have them provide him with the care that he needed. 

Thank you also to the many friends and family who supported Harry and Cathy throughout his courageous battle with cancer. 

At Harry’s request, no formal service will be held.  A private family celebration of his life will be held in the Spring.  If friends or family so desire, a donation may be made to CancerCare or the Riverview Health Centre Foundation.

You are now at peace and no longer in pain. Forever loved.