I once heard a remarkable person referred to as one of nature's aristocrats. I can't think of a better term for Bill. Kind, loving, intelligent and honest. He and Grant were very kind to me at a challenging time in my life and remain inspirations when I feel called upon to offer in my own turn the comfort of simple human decency.

Grant - the two of you were a class act - your wedding was amazing, meaningful and fun. A pleasure to know Bill and you will need time to recover, Grant. Linda Green

I live here my sister's condolence to this wonderful man that I had a pleasure to meet a few years ago introduced by my beautiful and great lover Ron, it is a such a nice guy and we have too much fun on his visiting us radio and since that we keep talking and visiting as possible my last time in Canada we enjoy so much and having dinner and chatting this is a big loser people like him doesn't exist so much and they are so special and was a good friend I really appreciate his friendship and I have my heart broken again it's another loser am I books friends, God bless him whatever he is now you be a good place and also Grant be strong, hug, Sebastian

Greetings Grant

I was away visiting family at the West Coast and upon my return this week, I received your invitation to Bill's funeral. Unfortunately I was not able to attend the funeral and to have possibly heard warm, memorable and funny stories of his exceptional like and gifts.

I extend my condolences to you and to his family on his passing.

Bill will be remembered fondly as a kind and thoughtful GENTLEMAN. Bill was a fun guy, an entertainer, authentic and genuine. He lived a good life and I appreciate he had health challenges which made things challenging for him in his senior years. You provided him with love and support and you are to be commended.

I am sure you will have wonderful memories of your time with Bill. I think the last time I saw you and Bill was in Palm Springs, many years ago.

Cheers and best wishes

Lorne J Abells K. C.

Grant we are saddened to hear of Bill’s death. Having just been informed this morning could not attend the funeral or contact you sooner. Will always appreciate the time we spent as neighbors and your wonderful dinner parties. It was a special time with your self, Chris and Susan.

Gabe

Thank You Grant for organizing such a wonderful memorial for Bill.

It was a beautiful service in every way. Bill would have been so pleased!

What a wonderful tribute for a great person.

He will be sadly missed.

Bill and Ev

Today is a sad day for me as I look back over the many years that I have known Bill …we first met in the first week of pharmacy in Saskatoon and during those 4 years we shared a strong friendship. He was welcomed into our home as a family member that enjoyed time with my parents and a few bridge games with my dad and friends George Norm and Dale…those were good days with fond memories…Love you Bill rest well and enjoy the road ahead

Allan

I am sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I worked with Bill when he was a contract pharmacist with Safeway Pharmacy in Lethbridge in the late 1980s to early 1990’s. Bill was a great pharmacist, always professional, compassionate, responsible and respectful. I always enjoyed working with him. Sorry for your loss.

Carolyn Stang

We were very saddened to hear of Bill's recent passing. The two of you have had such a fun and adventurous life together. We will always miss Bill's positive attitude and infectious laugh. Even Catherine, his favourite hygienist will truly miss his loyal visits to the office which we always enjoyed his company.

Being new to Calgary over 30 years ago, both Jackie and I still reminisce over those numerous elaborate parties at your home and the Palliser hotel- they were amazing and we always felt so genuinely included.

Bill is a true gentleman and genuine friend to many people he touched.

As we say in Ukrainian - Bill will be "Forever in Our Memory"

Love,

Dr. Morris and Jackie Hucal

Bill was hired by my father, Cecil Johnson, as a pharmacist in Johnson's Drug in Taber. When my father passed away just a few years later, Bill stayed on. In his kind way, he assisted my mother, Olive, to transition from a stay-at-home mom to store owner and business manager. His patience and expertise were greatly appreciated by my mother and her four children. Bill's wise advice to construct a new building proved to be a great advantage to the business. I am at a loss to express how profoundly his life impacted our family in remarkable ways. What an amazing gentleman he was!

-Cecily Nelson and the Johnson family

Although we did not., over many years, socialize on a regular basis with Bill, each time we had the opportunity it was a delight. Having had similar roots in the rural communities of Coaldale and Lethbridge meant that we had countless threads of life that collided together. There existed unspoken understandings, complimentary experiences, crazy positive and questionable memories…which we agreed proved to be the catalyst that opened our eyes to social changes, freedoms and to a variety of aspects of life which promoted moving forward in a winning manner. We are truly saddened by Bill’s passing and feel deeply for Grant’s incredible feeling of loss. Our condolences to every member of Bill Penner’s family. But mostly we are grateful to have had the opportunity to have known this wonderful gentleman named Bill Penner.

Bill and Carol Batycky

Dear Grant...

My heartfelt condolences on Bill's passing.

To know Bill and you as a couple speaks to a life well lived .

There are special people in our lives who never leave us even after they are gone.

He was a truly "special person"with a smile that could light up the night !.and "Alstroemeria" will be a memory for me forever.

May his memory be a blessing,

Fondly ~Lynda Snider

Grant, sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. Thank you for sharing and taking such good care of Bill right to the end. We were blessed to have been part of his life for a short time, definitely was more than a employee relationship, felt more like a good friend. In our house he was affectionately known as “Grampa Bill”. May July 4th service go really well and bring a sense of comfort to you as your surrounded by many loved ones. Due to work commitments we are saddened to say we will be unable to attend. Love and prayers Will and Janet.

Grant:

We're so sorry to hear about Bill. He will always be in my heart as a kind, generous, true gentleman. Thank you so much for the funeral information and invitation. I would have really liked to attend, however, I will be out of town, so will not be able to. I'm so sorry for having to miss celebrating Bill. Please take care and we are sending a big hug your way.

Love,

Joan Simpson and family

Deepest sympathy to Grant and Bill's family on his passing. Who can ever forget Bill's smile and his sparkling eyes. They never changed and being with Grant and Bill was always a great pleasure. Knowing Bill's poor health, I am glad that he is at peace and no longer suffering. Deepest condolences to Grant and the family.

Homage to my dear friend

Bill Penner

As I can’t be in Calgary on July 4th, to honour Bill’s life,

mourn his passing, as well as comfort my amazing friend Grant, I submit this as my small contribution to Bill’s Celebration of Life:

To me, Bill was a perfect partner for Grant.

He was Classy, Stylish, Handsome, Energetic, Warm Hearted, a Total Gentleman, a Fabulous Host, a Superb Cook, and so much more! Bill’s zest for life and his positive spirit were definitely contagious.

The first time I met Bill, he and Grant had recently

met. Within a few minutes (and 1 or 2 martinis in), we

shared so many personal life stories, and had so many laughs, that I considered him a close friend from that day forward.

Over the years, I felt privileged to have been part of

many of Bill and Grant’s celebrations. Fabulous and often

extravagant events, that were beyond compare. I cherish

those special memories and very thankful to have met so many wonderful people along the way. In particular, Rob, Bob and Jenica, who are now good friends of mine.

And I’m sure we are all so very grateful to Grant for being

a Champion these last 3 years. He cared for his beloved

Bill lovingly and selflessly, right to the end!

A true testament to “in sickness and in health”.

Bill will be dearly missed, yet, after a lot of suffering, is

now in a better place, undoubtedly shining his beautiful

light onto Grant and all the lives he touched during his long life.

SUBMITTED WITH SO MUCH LOVE AND GRATITUDE

FOR ALL THE GREAT TIMES

MAY YOU REST IN PEACE DEAR BILL.

Love you,

Lucie

xoxoxo

Bill was a fabulous person - warm, caring, and a true friend. We shared many good times in Calgary and Rancho Mirage. Bill and Grant were excellent hosts, and Bill would always cook up a storm. His circle of friends is endless and all of us love that boy. His memory will always be near and dear to me - never forgotten, always loved. My sincere condolences to Grant and the family.

Sharon Robertson