Gerald (Gerry) Roger Penney
March 3, 1942 to March 20, 2024
Obituary
To view the funeral service for the late Gerry Penney on Wednesday, May 29 at 11:30 a.m., please follow the link below:
Gerry passed suddenly at home on March 20, 2024, just a few weeks after his 82nd birthday. Gerry was predeceased by his parents, William and Cicily, and siblings Helen, Janet, Bill, Louise, John, Ted, and Izola. Gerry leaves behind to mourn, with loving and fond memories, many friends and family. Among those closest to him, his longtime companion, Joan Soulier, her children Jennifer (John), Donald (Dana), and their families; his brother-in-law Don Yetman, sister Phyllis Ludlow (Gord), twin brother Lloyd Penney (Sheila) and his many nieces, nephews and their children.
Gerry led a full life. Born and raised in Grand Falls, he moved on to the big city of Toronto, where he worked for many years at Bloorview Children’s Hospital overseeing recreational programs. After retirement, he returned to the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, settling in St. John’s. He was involved in many activities over the years, including the sports he loved such as ball, hockey, curling and golf. He was a long-time fan of the Montréal Canadiens and he especially enjoyed the banter among his friends and family who may have been Toronto Maple Leafs fans. He was a man of deep faith and service. He valued his friends and family above all else. He loved to laugh, he made friends easily and he constantly offered his time and wisdom, as evidenced by the many and varied volunteer organizations he was a part of; not the least of which was as a member and then President of the Cochrane Street United Church Men’s Club for many years. Leaving to mourn from there, his close friends from the “Breakfast Club”.
Gerry leaves behind a legacy of kindness, empathy and love. At his request, he was cremated. A Celebration of Life service will occur on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 11:30 a.m., in the chapel at Carnell’s Funeral Home on Freshwater Road in St. John’s, NL. It will be followed by a reception with a light lunch. Also, at Gerry’s request, interment in the Grand Falls cemetery will occur at a later date to be decided. He will be buried alongside his parents. In Gerry’s honour, donations can be made to The Salvation Army, St. John’s Food Banks, or The Gathering Place (St. John’s).
Schedule
funeral
11:30am, Wednesday May 29th
The Carnell Memorial Chapel
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
Reception following funeral service in the Lounge.
We were so sorry to hear of Gerry’s sudden passing. He was always so pleasant and would stop for a chat even when he was in pain due to his arthritis.
Although we were unable to attend his celebration of life as we were away, I have watched the video and felt the service, especially his niece’s eulogy, to be a very fitting tribute to a fine man.
Joan and family, and Kevin’s family, please accept our sincere condolences.
Carolyn Bradbury and Gerald White
To Gerry’s beloved family & friends:
After not being able to reach, nor hearing from Gerry for a few months, and after trying his number last evening and learning it was no longer in service, I searched and learned of his passing via google.
I cannot express my deepest condolences nearly enough for your immense loss.
Although I’m likely not known to most of you, Gerry has been one of my favourite people for over the last 50 years – ever since he first worked at Bloorview Childrens’ Hospital, in Toronto, where I was a resident sooooooo many years ago. We had kept in touch ever since and to me, he was very much my adopted brother in every way that counts.
I did and will always treasure our friendship and deep connection. Gerry was indeed a special and important person in my life. I am and will forever be honoured to be able to say I knew him. He was my friend.
Anyone who wants to may email me at: gerianne@eastlink.ca
With sincere respect.
Gerianne B. Hull
Joan and Families,
We were saddened to hear of Gerry’s passing. Please accept of sincere condolences for your loss. We’ve had many good times laughing and chatting with Gerry over the years.
Sincerely,
John, Kerry and Jada Collins
Fond memories we will always have, especially the many visits when we lived in Grand Falls. Gerry would always keep in touch with our wonderful chats we would have when he called every Christmas. Ted, Gerry and I would have such fun together when we were young at their parent’s home in Grand Falls.
Uncle Gerry was always a positive and giving gentleman. It was so nice to meet so many of his wonderful friends today at the service. He was loved by so many people.
Our sincere condolences on your loss. Gerry was a great friend who believed in the personal touch as he reached for the phone to call you rather send an impersonal email. He was always concerned for the welfare of his friends and acquaintances and he will be sorely missed. Regrettably we are out of the province and won’t be able to attend tomorrow’s service.
So sorry to hear of Jerry passing, we are friend of Jerry from the building we’re he lived.. we will miss him so much’ he came to our place for tea and dessert and a chat. We will cherish the memories of him forever, rest in peace my friend .
Philip & MaryAnn Hunter
So sorry for your lose .We live in the same building as Jerry he was a good friend of myself and my husband . He used to visit us and our friends that live in building and have tea and have a chat . He was a wonderful person and we miss him so much ..He was a dear friend .
So very sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing. Sincere condolences to Joan and his family and friends. He was a very kind man and a friend to all.
Peggy Tilley