January 27, 1939 - June 9, 2016
With an enormous sense of loss we announce the passing of Penny, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. Penny died Thursday after a five year inspirational journey with cancer, at home surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her husband of 53 years Kenneth, her daughters Sandra and Brenda, and her son Dan (Trudy). She was a beloved ‘Amma’ to Kylie, Calum, Grayden and Dylan.
Penny lived life to the fullest and set high standard for how to live a meaningful life and leave a lasting legacy. She had a great sense of humour and was a natural and entertaining story teller. She was full of positive energy and lived each day with integrity, compassion and humour. She embraced all challenges and enriched the lives of everyone she touched.
Penny graduated from the University of Alberta as an RN in 1961. Shortly after she made her way to Tofino for a ‘short assignment’ at the Tofino General Hospital. On arrival she met her future husband Kenneth and settled into life on the west coast raising their 3 children. She worked as a Public Health Nurse during which time she brought home 2 children to foster (Louise and Ruthy) She then settled into the various community leader roles she occupied over a 25-year period including Mayor, Alderman, Chair of the Regional District, Community Futures and Tofino Housing Corporation, as well as many other volunteer activities. She was a highly respected leader and true community builder and was passionate about the people and community she served. She embraced the tourism potential of Tofino and converted the family home to a wonderful Bed and Breakfast – Penny’s Place where she cooked and cleaned for 14 years and where she made friends from all over the world. In 2008 Penny and Ken relocated to Comox to be near the grandchildren. Penny settled into the Comox Valley and quickly established a wonderful community of friends.
Penny and family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for all the wonderful support and care she received during her battle with cancer. In addition to friends, we wish to acknowledge Drs Tinker, Austin, Lanuke, Wilson, Hopwood and Curtis as well as the teams of staff at St Joseph’s Hospital, BCCA, Comox Pharmasave, Community Nurses, Homecare and the Hospice Society.
In lieu of flowers donations in her memory can be made to BC Cancer Foundation, Y.A.N.A. or Comox Valley Hospice Society. A celebration of life will be held in Tofino on July, 9 (2-5pm) at the Legion Hall. An informal celebration will be held on June 25th at her home in Comox, #67-2300 Murrelet Drive from 2-5pm. All who wish are welcome to attend either celebration.