Martin Penner

Martin Abram Henry Penner was born August 24, 1940 in Saskatchewan, to Heinrich and Maria Penner. He passed into the presence of the Lord peacefully on November 12, 2022 in Prince George at the age of 82. 

Martin was predeceased by his siblings Henry, Susan, Jake, Ben, John. He is survived by his loving wife Marian (Hooge), their children Kelly (Ron Suhan), Ken (Linda MacDougall Penner), and Tim (Carmen), and their eight grandchildren Kenya (Daniel Franz), Ketra (George Naziel & great-grandson Joel), & Kyron; Alex & Matthew; Ben, Amelia, and Ellawyn. He is also survived by his brothers Peter and Neil. 

Martin grew up in Yarrow, B.C. on Lumsden Road. He met his future wife at the fruit packing cannery in Yarrow, and after she completed her nurse’s training, they married and moved to New Hazelton, where Kelly and Ken were born. After being personally challenged by Jesus’ teachings, Martin determined to serve God among the poor. This led them to leave the house Martin had built in New Hazelton. The family moved to Yarrow for a year while waiting for a placement with MCC in Brazil. Between two 2.5 year volunteer terms in Brazil, the family lived in Winnipeg (where Tim was born) for a year for Martin to study at Mennonite Brethren Bible College. In 1983, they moved back to New Hazelton where Martin continued volunteering his time to serve the community in innumerable ways, including the HELP Society, Food Bank, Skeena Bakery Board, employment support, recycling, singing at the hospital and school, gardening, and driving bus for school teams. He could repair virtually anything for anyone who needed it, and nothing went to waste when he was around. His motivation for all these activities was his devotion to God. He would get up before anyone else to walk, read and pray every day. His love for learning, problem solving skills and curiosity continue to influence his three children as teachers. Martin and Marian, the M&Ms, were a harmonious team and usually seen serving together. He will be sorely missed by family and his many friends. 

Burial will take place at 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 18, at the New Hazelton Cemetery. An informal time to celebrate and remember Martin’s life will take place at the Community Gospel Chapel (Log Church) in New Hazelton at 6:00 p.m. that same day. The funeral will be at the Community Gospel Chapel (Log Church) in New Hazelton at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 19.  

Memorial donations in memory of Martin can be made to the MCC at www.mcccanada.ca 

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