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Ferg Penner

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FERG PENNER

November 9, 1943 – May 9, 2026

Ferg Penner passed away peacefully at home on May 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.


Ferg is lovingly remembered by his wife of 57 years, Barb Penner; his son, Chris (Shelley) and his daughter, Hilary (Henry). He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Kiefer (Maggie), Jackson (Kiana), Amaia, Wesley (Seanna), Tessa (Luc), Marley, and Case.


Ferg will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many lives he touched throughout the years. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later in date in Kenora. 


In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Ferg Penner Memorial Fund

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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Ferg Devins

June 3, 2026 at 6:37 AM

Big Ferg was a wonderful pillar of the community inspiring youth through his career over many decades. Always a cheerful chat and interest in how things were going. Deepeat sympathies to family and friends. We have lost a good one but will cherish the memories.

Sharon and Arnold Cederwall

May 30, 2026 at 7:05 PM

Sharon and Arnold Cederwall

Our deepest condolences to Barb and family. May our lord comfort you and carry you through this difficult time Barb. We will keep you all in our prayers. Hugs to all ! 🙏🙏🙏

Bill Tilley

May 29, 2026 at 6:45 PM

Ferg was a dear friend when I lived in Kenora.. I knew him well in 9th and 10th grade. My family moved to California when my dad Retired from his Pharmacy, Tilley's Drug store. I last saw Ferg at a 50th year old celebration that we held in Kenora for those friends that were born in 1943. Ferg was one of about 8 of us who hung out together. I missed the great times of 11 and 12 grade when the bonding was greater. My condolences to the family and joy that he had a long life and great family.

Bruce Young

May 29, 2026 at 5:23 PM

I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the Penner family. Ferg was always such a wonderful person to be around and had a positive impact on so many people. He will be greatly missed.

Donna Moncrief

May 29, 2026 at 8:57 AM

Mr Penner was an amazing person. He coached me in high school. He will never know the impact that he had on my life. He would often stop and talk many years after to catch up. My heart felt sympathy to the family for your loss

Gary Portman

May 27, 2026 at 2:14 PM

He was an excellent techer and coach. He always treated me so nicely. I always enjoyed our interactions.

Chancellor Em Lorne Everett

May 26, 2026 at 11:24 AM

Met Ferg my first day a t LU and never thanked him for his life long friendship. He was my best buddy, he was the best in everything we did although I was LU athlete of the year.-). Ferg was intimitating but had a very sweet personality. Ferg got me through calculus at LU, we never beleived I would come back as Chancellor 35 years later. I can't see the type anymore because of the tears..

Geri Bruce

May 20, 2026 at 11:44 AM

Ferg held a truly special place in my heart. Our demographic is dwindling, and it is difficult to lose the friends we loved. High school (KKDHS) memories are shaped by those enduring and treasured connections. Reaching out to Ferg's family and friends as we remember and grieve. "Per aspera ad alta ... sing for the purple and shout for the white". (Ernie Brose)

Ray Grynol

May 20, 2026 at 9:52 AM

My deepest sympathy to the Penner family. on their loss of such a wonderful man. Ferg was a terrific teacher, coach, mentor, and friend who instilled the values of working hard and doing your best. His contributions to high school sports are legendary. Whenever I met Ferg, he always showed his delightful sense of humour and his pride in his children and later his grandchildren..

Ron Bartolo

May 19, 2026 at 7:04 PM

Very sad to hear of Ferg Penner's passing. He was a wonderful man, teacher coach and mentor. My condolences to the Penner family for their loss

Cathy and Michael Sweeney

May 17, 2026 at 8:06 PM

I first met Ferg as a ten eage. He had several years on me. There was a party and Ferg needed a ride, to retrieve his shoes(??). I was the selected driver, as I hadn't had any alcohol. Ferg lectured me, the whole drive to and from, about never drinking too much! I was quite impressed by this! He was a legend very few teachers achieve! Our condolences to Barb, Chris, Hilary and David and all the younger set! RIP, Ferg!

Andy Peters

May 17, 2026 at 7:49 PM

mr.penner was my PE teacher through high school. I remember thar He always pushed you, but was always someone you felt you could talk to. I feel blessed to have had him as a coach, teacher and mentor

Stephanie Brown

May 17, 2026 at 3:59 PM

My condolences to the Penner family for the loss of Ferg. He was truly one of the best teachers of BBSS. He will truly be missed!

Peter Williams

May 17, 2026 at 8:14 AM

Ferg will be sorely missed!

He was my teacher, my coach, my friend and a real Legend of a Man!!

He enriched many lives, mine included.

My deepest condolences to his family and all that he left behind.

Alana Findlay

May 16, 2026 at 10:20 PM

My deepest condolences to the Penner family and your extended family. Ferg was a strong, positive influence for myself and many students. He'll always be fondly remembered.

Jason Grandbois

May 16, 2026 at 9:44 PM

Condolences to all of the family. Cherish all those amazing memories... write them down so he will always be there to make you smile. Ferg was always an ally in high school and I greatly appreciated his wisdom. He will be missed.

Laura Loohuizen

May 16, 2026 at 7:11 PM

I worked with Ferg at the Court House for years. We always had a lot of fun. He was so well respected and such a kind guy. Condolences to his family.

Adena Madison

May 16, 2026 at 2:52 PM

My heartfelt condolences to your families, Chris and Hilary. I remember your father very fondly from my highschool and swimming days. As several others have already mentioned, he was a remarkable man. He was a strong, thoughtful man who provided a safe place for his students. He always brought a smile to my face, even decades after my highschool years. He was that kind of man. ❤️

Jolene Moncrief

May 16, 2026 at 1:23 PM

We all had that one teacher that we could always turn to even with problems outside of the school walls. Coach you have touched so many hearts in ways you could never understand. Rest in peace.

Roberta Bartolo

May 16, 2026 at 1:18 PM

Many great memories of Ferg from my highschool days. My condolences

Marion Walsh

May 16, 2026 at 12:18 PM

I had the pleasure of working with Ferg during my time in Kenora (1996-2000). My memories of Ferg are of someone who was always a gentleman. Charming and kind. My condolences to the Penner family.

Jody Lamoureux

May 16, 2026 at 10:33 AM

My deepest sympathies to Hilary and Chris and their families. He was my favourite coach EVER! I have great memories of basketball, road trips for tournaments, and most of all for his kindness and generosity toward me when I really needed it. Rest in Peace Mr. Penner.

 

Catherine Petracek

May 16, 2026 at 10:09 AM

So very sad to hear of Ferg's passing. He made high school a lot easier for some people. He will be g missed.

Brian Olson

May 15, 2026 at 10:42 PM

A great educator and leader and more importantly a great person. You will be missed. Condolences to the Penmerry family.

Janet Hyslop

May 15, 2026 at 10:38 PM

I was hard to read the obituary as it meant it was real. I have been floodEd with memories of Ferg and the Penner crew. Swimming driving pool and so many neighbour good vibes with the Watsons, Hyslop's, ´Bush's Baker s and Mares. His hugs and voice were like a special blanket the protected you. ALL OUR love to the entire family Barb, Chris and Hilary and all the beautiful people attached. He was a LEGEND.. 💕

Sean Casey

May 15, 2026 at 9:46 PM

Coach will be remembered fondly by so many. He embodied what is to be a teacher. I appreciated his integrity and devotion to not only Athletics and sport, but also every student he crossed paths with. I loved his frankness and practical advice as well as his sense of humour. Condolences to the whole Penner family. A great man has passed and will be remembered fondly by all whose lives he touched.

Cheers Coach Ferg!

Jory Paroby

May 15, 2026 at 9:40 PM

My Phys Ed teacher, Mr. Penner was king of the ring. Highest regard.

Kendall Trembath

May 15, 2026 at 9:26 PM

He Made highschool better💜

Thank you Mr Penner

Amanda Kardal

May 15, 2026 at 9:20 PM

I am so sorry for the loss of a such a great coach, role model and father! He will always be remembered by all the lives he has touched! sending my Deepest condolences

Alicia Fairfield

May 15, 2026 at 9:15 PM

I am so saddened to hear this sad news... my condolences to Chris and the rest of his family and friends... I miss chatting with him at Safeway since he moved away... RIP Ferg, you will be missed by all who knew and loved you... ❤️

Suzie Peterson

May 15, 2026 at 8:19 PM

My condolences to Coach's family. He was an amazing man, a true mentor and one of the kindest people ever.

Eric Lovas

May 15, 2026 at 7:02 PM

 

Mr. Penner was always someone I could talk to. He helped me through some tough days. My condolences to his Family Chris if you see this and need to talk. Call me anytime.

Calvin Harasemchuk

May 15, 2026 at 6:58 PM

Ferg, you were one of a kind. Thank you for all you did. My sincerest condolences to the family.....

Kristin Kyle

May 15, 2026 at 6:26 PM

Ferg was my safe place throughout high school and holds a very special place in my heart. He coached my Dad in football, and Chris now coaches my boys. His legacy will live on in the athletes in his football program, built on character, commitment and strong never quit effort. I'm grateful for the lessons he taught me, and will cherish all the memories. My sincere condolences to his family 💜

Darren Johnson

May 15, 2026 at 6:23 PM

Condolences to Chris, Hillary and your families. This is such an appropriate picture of your father. A proud father and grandfather, a lifelong supporter of school athletics, and a guy who embodied what it meant to be true to your school. You left a legacy Coach Penner! Sleep well.

Greg & Tannis Romaniuk

May 15, 2026 at 5:25 PM

Both my husband and I had the distinct pleasure of knowing the Penner family. always very kind and supportive. Ferg always teased my husband about their Honda (only Greg knew what was what) and teased me for marrying such a good guy. Thank you for your friendship❤️ Barb, my heart goes out to you and the kids, hugs, love and prayers and his legacy will carry on.

 

Lisa Achilles-Belanger

May 15, 2026 at 5:19 PM

My sincere condolences to the Penner family! I have fond memories working alongside Ferg, teaching high school physical education at BBSS. He tocuhed the lives of so many students and athletes! He will be missed. Sending ❤️

Charlene Mash-Hadlow

May 15, 2026 at 5:11 PM

My heart. Such an influential person in my life. My career as an athlete, coach and business professional were so influenced by Ferg. Thank you for your positive influence and helping me reach my life goals.

Serena Copenace

May 15, 2026 at 4:50 PM

Ferg Penner...when I first started swimming. His family made us feel so welcome into the swimming family when it was Kenora Aquatics and our family was uncertain of how we would be received. Ferg and Barb made my mom feel comfortable. Such a wonderful loving family and its evident why..Ferg and Barb. Ferg always so funny and teased me to no end lol Became good friends with Hil and the girls. The fondest memories of that time and Ferg, bigger than life! A presence.

So sad for the family. Hugs and much live and respect. Somewhere my mama is shedding a tear. 😥❤️

Yannis Karambetsos

May 15, 2026 at 4:24 PM

To Coach Chris and Family;

 

Ferg was Always an Inspiration and Motivator on and off the field. He always knew what to say and how to change a persons demeanour in the toughest of situations.

 

He was always a role model and friend to those in need.

 

My Most Sincere Condolences for Your Loss.

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