Neil Penner

1939 – 1945 Star, Italy Star, France & Germany Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM) and Clasp, 1939 – 45 WarMedal

Royal Canadian Air Force

WW II

Neil Penner was born 10 July 1924 near Plum Coulee Manitoba. He was the only son with 9 sisters born to Peter and Margaret (Neufeld) Penner. Neil related many times how he felt like he was living in a girl’s dormitory. His family moved often as his father sought jobs to support his growing family. At the tender age of 10 Neil was sent out to work for neighbouring farmers. He proved from a very young age, to be a hard worker.

At the age of 17 Neil enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in Winnipeg. Shortly after that he was sent to Halifax for more training. In 1942, when his group was ready to be shipped to England, Neil came down with chicken pox and was hospitalized for 21 days. Thus, he missed sailing with his buddies.

World War II took its toll on many of Neil’s friends. God protected Neil through many hardships of war during his 5 year tour of duty. He proudly served in England, Italy, Germany, Belgium and Holland. He returned home at the age of 22. Neil wasn’t comfortable speaking about his military service as was the case with many who served. He said that he had been instructed, by the military, not to discuss war events.

Neil was proud to call Morden home. He married Dorothy Brown 27 June 1947 and they were blessed with 3 children, Sharon, Lorraine and Douglas. He used his war bonds to build their first home. Neil loved his family unconditionally and he had a strong faith in God.

His first job, after returning from England, was driving truck for Morden Transfer. He then purchased his own truck and used it for hauling gravel. Neil got into mail delivery and built his business into a fleet of 30 trucks and 50 employees, delivering mail from Vancouver to Toronto plus many provincial routes.

Neil and his son Douglas owned a snowmobile shop in Morden and this gave them the opportunity to enter many snowmobile races. In January, 1973 they both entered a 3 day race from Winnipeg to St. Paul, Minnesota. Neil finished 10th in a field that included more than 350 riders. He was the second Canadian to cross the finish line, a great accomplishment.

Neil had a passion for horses particularly Arabians and he had one named Lad. His love of horses and riding was well known around Morden and a local RCMP officer asked if he would like to participate in the Commemorative March West and because of his experience, take on the position of trail boss. At the age of 75 he participated in the ride from Emerson, Manitoba to Fort McLeod, Alberta. He was sworn in as an Honorary North West Mounted Police Officer for the duration of the ride. The ride was 1500 KM and lasting from 03 May till 03 July and Neil was the only rider to ride every day from start to finish.