Harry Lee PENNY

DIP THEOLOGY B.A., B.S.W., . , M.S.W., L.L.D. HARRY LEE PENNY Husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, accomplished sailor, social worker and academic, Harry died peacefully on Fe br uar y 8, 2009 in the ICU at Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital, Burlington, following a difficult surgery. Born in Consort Alberta on September 30, 1918, Harry spent his early years in Calgar y before moving to Vancouver with his family during the Depression. He graduated from Kitsilano High School, then attended UBC and Union College where he became an ordained minister. With his new wife Goldie (Walker) he traveled to the tiny Saskatchewan town of Ogema to take a position as minister of the United Church. After a return to B.C. he began work as a social worker, a profession that would become his lifelong career. In 1959 he moved to Hamilton, accepting the position as the first Executive Director of the Social Planning and Research Council. He was the founding Director of the School of Social Wo rk at McMaster University in 1968 and held that position until 1975. In 1985, he was named Director of the Centre of Continuing Education. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Harry also served on many committees, boards and other entities active in social justice issues. Harry loved to write and authored two books, one on the histor y of the School of Social Wo rk and one on the histor y of the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club. Social work was his career but sailing was his passion. A longtime member of RHYC, including serving as Commodore in 1974-75, Har ry and his Viking 28 Evenstar became well known both in Hamilton and at yacht clubs around western Lake Ontario. Even af ter his active sailing career ended at age 82, he was still a regular at RHYC, particularly enjoying the monthly past-Commodore luncheons. Simila rly, at McMaster, his retirement did not end his association with the university community. His Tuesday lunches at the University Club were more than just a social event. Fo r years he would walk the eight miles from his home in Aldershot to meet with his friends, enjoy a beer and a sandwich and solve whatever world problems were the topic of the day. Although the walks to his Tuesday lunch date ended some time ago, he still attended regularly until just weeks before his hospitalization. Harry will be greatly missed by his wife of 63 years, Goldie, sons Burke (Lindsey), Michael (Ruth Ann), grandchildren Colin (Leah), Rachel and Fiona, great grandchildren Jocelyn and Gavin, other extended family members and many friends and colleagues. He was predeceased by two brothers, Don and Doug, and two sisters, Jeanne (Fair n) and Greta (MacDonald). In keeping with Harry's wishes, in lieu of flowers, donations to the School of Social Work Endowment Fund, McMaster University, will gladly be accepted. We cordially request that you direct such donations to Advancement Services, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, DTC 125, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8. Donations to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada would also be appreciated. A memorial service and reception to celebrate Harry's life will take place at the University Club, McMaster University, on We dnesday, Febr uar y 25 from 2-5 p.m. On-line tributes may be made at www.mem.com