71, of Dartmouth, passed away July 20, 2009 in the Dartmouth General Hospital surrounded by family. Born in Tacks Beach, Placentia Bay, Newfoundland, he was a son of the late Aubrey and Lavinia (Bolt) Penney.John retired in 1998 from the Dartmouth Fire Department as Captain with 25 years of service. He served in the Royal Canadian Navy for 10 years, and earlier taught in a one-room school in Newfoundland. He was a long-time member of the Dartmouth Curling Club, the Dartmouth Sundowners and the Royal Canadian Legion Somme Branch. His life was dedicated to helping others, and his legacy is the inspiration for us to give of ourselves. John was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, golfing and sailing. He especially loved teaching his granddaughters an appreciation of nature. Always ready with a hammer and saw, he will be remembered for his handyman skills and his helpfulness to his many friends and neighbours. John will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 44 years, Violet (Moulton), son David (Louise), Dartmouth; siblings Bertha (George) Brown, Newfoundland; Marion (Ed) Johnson, Newfoundland; Hannah (Ron) Barker, Ontario; Helen (Tom) Hall, Newfoundland; Winnie (Melvin) Cooper, Newfoundland; Sam Penney, Newfoundland; Sandra (David) Barrington, Newfoundland; Ivy Penney (Harold Hibbs), Newfoundland; Glenda (Ralph) Roberts, Newfoundland; and beloved grandchildren, Sarah and Allison. He will be missed by many in-laws, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, brother David and sister Linda. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, July 23 at Atlantic Funeral Home, 771 Main St., Dartmouth. A funeral service will be held at 2pm Friday, July 24 in Atlantic Funeral Home Chapel. Burial in Dartmouth Memorial Gardens. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of choice.