Jake Penner

September 7, 1939 - April 24, 2025

Jake Penner passed away peacefully with family by his side on April 24, 2025 at the age of 85 years. Jake was most recently a resident of Luther Village on the Park retirement community in Waterloo, Ontario.

Jake was born September 7, 1939 in Vita, Manitoba, and lived with his parents and five siblings on a farm near Altona, Manitoba. 

Upon graduating from high school in Altona Jake moved to Winnipeg to study at the University of Manitoba, where he earned a B.Sc. (Science) degree. Jake moved to Ontario after his university studies to begin his working career. Jake worked first for the City of Toronto water testing laboratory, then Unilever, and Black Diamond Cheese in Belleville. He eventually moved back to Toronto where he would spend the final 25 years of his career as a finance manager in the Ontario Ministry of Health, and later the Ministry of Labour.

When he retired, Jake and his longtime friend Don Eckhardt bought a beautiful historic century home in Durham, Ontario. This home was the perfect setting to accommodate their love for antique furniture and serving ware. Jake and Don hosted many fancy occasions and holiday dinners in this grand home.

Throughout his life Jake was active in the church, and loved classical and sacred music. He was also always keen to discuss Canadian politics and world affairs. Jake loved his family very much, and impressed all who knew him as a gentle, caring man.

Jake will be missed by his sister Helen Siemens, and by his many nieces, nephews, and friends. Jake was predeceased by his parents Peter and Helena Penner, his friend Don, and by his brother Peter, and sisters Agatha, Anne, and Katherine.

In accordance with Jake’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of Jake’s life will be held at Durham Presbyterian Church at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. A time of food and fellowship will be held thereafter. 

Interment will occur at McNeil Cemetery in Priceville, Ontario on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to the Canadian Cancer Society in Jake’s memory.

Arrangements entrusted to the McCulloch-Watson Funeral Home, Durham.