Obituary of Reuben Penner

It is with heavy hearts that Reuben's family announces his passing on May 12, 2009 at the Dr. FW Green Memorial Home surrounded by his family and friends following a long and courageous battle with Primary Lateral Sclerosis.

The family will be forever grateful for the loving care and attention from Dr. Kevin McIver and the entire staff at the FW Green Memorial Home. Special thanks also to Dr. Hannah Briemberg and the ALS team at GF Strong Rehab Centre in Vancouver, Denise LeBlanc and the many home support workers.

Reuben was predeceased by his parents Peter and Myrtle, brother-in-law Earl Swadling, his in-laws Nan and Alex Larsen and dear nephew Aaron Penner.

Reuben was born at home in Hatzic on April 21, 1940 and was educated and grew up in the Mission area. He was involved in sports and this is where his love for cars and car racing started. Following graduation, Reuben began his carpenter's apprenticeship in Vancouver with Narod Construction Company. He moved to Cranbrook in 1962 where he started working for C.J. Oliver building T.M. Roberts School. During the years he worked for the Cranbrook and Kimberley School Districts as Maintenance Supervisor and for a number of construction companies including: Leadingham Construction, Hanemayer Construction, Key City Construction, and New Dawn Developments before ending his career with Ledcor. His legacies include Winners, Staples, Fabricland, Home Hardware, Superstore, Echo Field Raceway and the Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce. He was an avid hockey fan, a member of the Cranbrook Royals Booster Club and a supporter of the Kootenay Ice. For several years, Reuben built, maintained, drove (and pushed!) the City of Cranbrook Float. He spent countless hours with his great friends Bruce Coventry and Linda Birch designing and building our floats and supporting Cranbrook's Youth Ambassadors.

Reuben and Karin were married on August 17, 1963 and had two sons Michael and Daryl. A loving and caring person, home and family were the most important things in Reuben's life and his greatest gifts were his three grandchildren Tyler, Brayden and Shae.

He will be missed and forever loved by his wife Karin, son Michael and daughter-in-law Corinna, Tyler and Brayden; son Daryl and Shae; sisters Myrt Penner, Helen (Jim) Dewar, Lily Swadling, Evie (George) Stowards; brothers David (Mable), Peter, Paul (Norene); sister-in-law Carol and brother-in-law Les Waldie; and several nieces, nephews and wonderful friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2009 from 7:00pm-8:30pm at McPherson Funeral Home. Please join us as we celebrate Reuben's life on Friday, May 15, 2009 at 1:30pm at the Knox Presbyterian Church with Reverend Ron Foubister officiating. Interment to follow at Westlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the ALS Society of BC (208-1600 West 6th Ave., Vancouver, BC V6J 1R3) and Dr. FW Green Memorial Home Patio Fund (1700 4th Street South, Cranbrook, BC V1C 6E1).Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service. Condolences for the family can be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com