DEREK PENNEY

Obituary of DEREK GEORGE PENNEY

He Could Not Have Planned It Better!

“LIVE EVERY DAY LIKE IT’S YOUR LAST.” DGP 1933-2018

July 29th, 2018 was a perfect summer evening on the beautiful shores of Lake Huron in Grand Bend, Ontario. Having enjoyed a glorious afternoon spent reading, DEREK GEORGE PENNEY put down his latest book to embrace the idyllic and majestic view and took in his final breaths of “La Mer Douce” - the fresh water sea he so loved. From the horizon, a sudden blissful wave of tranquility enveloped him and gently carried him away. “Bon Voyage DGP!”

Born in Southampton, England in 1933 to Olive Georgina (Downing) and George Arthur Penney, Derek’s love and respect for the sea came by way of his father who served in the British Merchant Navy and his many uncles who worked the Southampton Shipyards. In 1951, following the death of his parents, Derek immigrated to Toronto, Canada with his Aunt and Uncle, Yvonne Frances (Downing) and James Murray (AVRO Canada), both predeceased. He went on to establish a long and rewarding career at NACAN Products Limited, a company whose steadfast and principled values contributed to much of his personal and professional success.

In retirement, notwithstanding his fanatical love of sports - especially NFL, Derek indulged his passion for reading, deepening his vast knowledge and keen interest in history, politics, science and math. He would remark that the most valuable trait his parents ever encouraged in him was curiosity - “the key to life”.

A true gentleman and a man of solid integrity and undiminished humor and wit, Derek will be lovingly/dearly/fondly remembered by his close-knit family: Wife, Jo Penney; Cousins, Colin (Susan) Murray; In-laws: Mother, Jenny (Terlegan) Pauk; Brothers, Alex (Alexina Louie) Pauk, Jim (Cathryn Dajka) Pauk, Ron (Ann Marie Paixao) Pauk; Nieces, Jasmine and Jade Pauk. Derek was predeceased by his Father-in-law, Alex Pauk, Sr and Sister-in-law, Donna Pauk.

Derek has requested final cremation. Honoring his life-time love of animals, memorial donations to the Toronto Humane Society.