October 24, 1966 - August 12, 2025

It’s with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Jeffrey Albert Penner after a long difficult battle with illness. Though his life was taken tragically and far too soon we remember the incredible accomplishments of this brilliant and beloved Husband, Father, Friend and Son.

Jeff is lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend, Erin Vreeland-Penner; his son, Aarik Penner; his daughter, Olivia Penner; and his step-children, Chance Vreeland, Bryce Vreeland and Amber Vreeland. He is missed by his dogs, Caspian and Snigglet who still wait for him to come home.

He will lovingly be remembered by his mother, Rose Marie Penner of Winnipeg, MB and his brother, John Penner (Loretta); niece, Chayleah and nephew, Koldan.

Jeff is predeceased by his father, John Harvey Penner.

The date of his birth and the end of his adventure here is not as inspiring as his dash in between. He always had an amazing sense of humour and had the ability to keep a positive attitude even when difficulties came. His faith and focus made us shake our heads at times but was truly endearing. He would play classical guitar every evening after dinner. He prided himself as The Grill Master! He jokingly proclaimed his secret identity was the Wolverine. He loved going for drives and was quick to help with heavy lifting. He enjoyed watching football with Amber and spending time with his dogs. He had taken up landscaping in the yard before his passing. He crafted a beautiful path with stone steps, lighting and bridge near the waterfall. He put his whole heart into this with the goal of making our property like Bouchard Gardens in Victoria, BC. Sadly, he didn’t complete his physical path here but his path led instead to Our Lord in Heaven!

Jeff received his Bachelor of Business Administration with honours from University of Manitoba in 1988. He was an Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA) in 1990. He was a fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) in 2001 and a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (FCIA) in 2002.

He began his career with Towers Perrin in Calgary, AB and worked as an Actuarial Consultant for Morneau Shepell and Watson Wyatt in addition. With this experience he was recruited by Canadian Pacific Railway as the Director of Actuarial Services also in Calgary, AB.

In 2008 until the time of his retirement in 2018 he worked as a Principal, Pension Plan Actuary for Morneau Shepell in Fredericton, NB.

Jeff would want all of his family and friends to remember him in a good light, as so many loved him dearly and will miss him always…

We all knew Jeff as someone who never believed in the End, but always believed in the Beginning!

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive, Fredericton, NB. A Memorial Service and Interment will take place in Winnipeg, MB at a later date. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to Hope and Healing International or to the charity of the donor's choice. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com

“We were so happy the day you were born. You brought us so much joy and your sense of humour was priceless. We were so proud of you always! As for me, you left a huge hole in my heart, which will never mend, but having you as a son, was truly a gift from God. And, for that I will be eternally grateful and thankful.”

- Jeff's mother, Rose