PENNER, Cornelius E. of Swift Current, SK passed away Friday November 2, 2012 at the Swift Current Care Home at the age of 93. The Funeral service was held on Wednesday November 7th, from Bridgeway Mennonite Brethren Church with Pastor Bob Cappelle officiating. Family and friends gathered to share their memories of "Corny". Eulogies were read by Lynn Penner and Dave Penner. The honorary pallbearers were all of Corny's nieces and nephews. Corny's cremated remains were interred at Memory Gardens Cemetery. Corny is survived by his children, daughter Lynn grandson Joshua (Michelle) and great grandson Jace, son Larry (Linette). Step grandchildren, Harold Wright, Karen Wright, Wayne Wright and Allen Wright their spouses and children brothers, Dave (Anne) Penner, Henry (Helen) Penner, Walter (Val) Penner, Anne (Russ) Tymos, sisters' in-law Josephine Penner, and Irene Penner and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Cornelius and Helene Penner, partner in life Susie, step son Leslie Wright, brothers Peter Penner, John Penner, sisters Sarah Wiens, Katy Penner, Helen Penner, and sister in-law Margaret. Corny was born in Schoendorf, Borozenko South Russia on June 5th, 1919. He was the first born son of Helene and Cornelius Penner. In 1926 the family fled the turmoil of the Russian Revolution and settled in the Rosenhof area where they farmed. Corny went to school until grade 9 then he helped on the family farm, eventually renting land of his own. He often found work off the farm to help the family. He quit farming in 1956 and began a long successful career in construction. He worked for Rittinger's Construction, Knutson Construction and his last few years as an independent contractor. You'll find Corny's hand in many of the school's, bridges, churches and other public buildings in the Swift Current area. A construction accident in 1969 had left Corny a paraplegic for 3 months and also left lasting effects for the rest of his life. But true to his indomitable spirit Corny walked out of the Royal University hospital using two canes. While recovering the full use of his legs Corny was sent to complete an adult 10 and achieved his journeyman status as a carpenter by challenging the test. He went on to work for another 15 years. He could have been a master journeyman in any number of the trades; mechanics, plumbing, electrical and masonry as he could master any task set before him. In his later years he took on the role of babysitter for his grandson. He enjoyed gardening, cooking, travelling, reading and helping anyone with their renovation projects. He also had a truly generous spirit helping family and friends when they needed it without question. At the age of 80 he totally renovated the house he was living in until he moved to the Herbert Manor in 2009. Thanks tho the staff at the Herbert Heritage Manor and the Swift Current Care Centre who looked after Corny's daily needs these past few years. His greatest joy the last year was visits from his great grandson and namesake Jace Cornelius Michael Penner. Warren's Funeral Home were entrusted with the arrangements. For further information call 773-8831 or 1-800-267-6606 or visit our website at www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to family members in our book of condolences.