1940 – 2026
It is with great sadness that the family of William “Bill” Lawrence Penney, 86, of Stratton, announces his passing on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at La Verendrye General Hospital, with his family by his side.
Bill was born in Emo, Ontario, on May 28, 1940. He was raised in Stratton by his parents, Marguerite and George Penney, alongside his nine siblings. On December 3, 1966, Bill married Elizabeth Penney (née Bolen) in Fort Frances.
Bill is survived by his wife Elizabeth; two children, Greg Penney (Karen Wiersma) of Ottawa and Holly Penney of Fort Frances; his grandchildren Jeremy (Jaime), Jessica (Cath), and Ethan (Maggie); and his great-grandchildren Brooks and Monroe. He is also survived by his brother Greg (Donna) of Fort Frances; his sister Marie Duhamel of Dryden; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.
Bill enjoyed a varied and hardworking career. He began working at Eaton’s in Winnipeg in the 1960s before moving to the Steep Rock iron mine in Atikokan in the 1970s. In the early 1980s, he worked in logging and road construction. For the final 22 years of his career, Bill served as Roads Superintendent for the Municipality of Morley.
Bill retired in 2005 and enjoyed spending his retirement working on the family home he had built himself, travelling with Elizabeth and friends, and generously lending a hand to friends and neighbours with their own projects. He was also a dedicated volunteer firefighter in Stratton.
Throughout his life, Bill was known for being exceptionally handy and always willing to lend a helping hand.
Bill will be remembered for his strong work ethic, practical skills, generosity, and dedication to his family and community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. A celebration of life will be held on August 21 in Stratton.
Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd., Emo, Ontario.
