Branden James Penner

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the unexpected, yet peacefully passing of our dear son, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew, and friend; Branden James Penner who was embraced and carried away by angels on Thursday, April 20, 2023.

Branden was predeceased by Gido, Orrest Pilipchuk and Grandmother, Elsie Penner.

Branden will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his dad, Ron Penner; mom, Tammy Pilipchuk;  sister, Tynecia Penner (Kevin Overton); nephews, Ryatt and Brycen Penner;  by loving family members, grandfather Wayne Penner, aunty Bev & uncle Erv Loeppky, cousins Vincent & Amy Loeppky and family, uncles Murray Penner, Marvin Penner, cousins Madison and Spencer, Jolene & Mike Martens and family, Dustin & Tate Loeppky and baby girl Jersey; aunt Carrie Smith, cousins Meranda, Josh, Maison; aunt Vanessa (Jay) Kocka, cousins Caleb, Kadie.

Thirty-two years ago, on a bright snowy morning of April 14,1991 Branden was born in Steinbach, MB. Branden immediately captured the hearts of his parents and everyone he shared a smile with.

Before the time Branden could walk, you would see him with a mini stick in hand, ball flying, usually landing in a plant, with dad yelling, “he scores!”. The spark in his eyes for the love of sports and hockey was lit!

Practicing the skill of body checking on his unsuspecting sister Tynecia and encouraging her to participate in hockey wrestling when dad, mom or cousins weren’t around to play, it was revealed the spark turned into a passion, leading to tying his skates and hitting the ice at 3 years.

Full throttle and no fear Branden smiled from ear to ear, kicking balls on the field, running bases behind the fence, riding two wheels down hills, swimming past the buoys, tackling in front of the bleachers while growing up. Down time was spent hours creating Lego fortresses and playing video games. 

Getting older, having fun and making people smile was a strong personality trait. Although dirt biking under grandma's laundry line, jumping culverts on snowmobile, night tubing past curfew didn’t make his family laugh, his love for adventures with close friends and the laughs and memories they made and planned was undeniably part of who he was.

Branden was happiest when he was with his friends and family. Sporting events, parties, get togethers, watching and especially playing out practical jokes to make other people laugh is where he found the most joy. He loved making people happy!

His love of sports continued but the love of golf was ever-growing, with the appetite to learn and improve with every game was strong.

After a day of drywall or taping, he would always try and make it out to the course to achieve a better game than the last or to just simply empty a basket or two of balls. Introducing the club and a ball, hand in hand with his nephew Ryatt, Branden has planted the seed with the next generation of mastering the game of golf.

Thank you to each and everyone of you who continued to reach out with unconditional love and faith in Branden’s recovery and healing.               

Now free from constant struggle and suffering, Heaven has gained another angel (laughter sometimes heard, enjoying a round of golf).

Through a good gut laugh, a song of a bird, whistling of the leaves or a shinning star in the heavens above, Branden may not physically be here, but his soul lives on!

A celebration of Branden’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, with viewing 1 hour prior to the service, at Crossings Funeral Care. Followed by a time of refreshments. A private interment will take place in the Steinbach Heritage Cemetery.