Obituary of Norman Pennell
Norman Hassard Pennell
April 13, 1933 – March 7, 2020
Norm passed away peacefully at Bridgepoint Active Health early Saturday, March 7, 2020 – one month short of his 87th birthday. He will be greatly missed by his daughter Karen, son-in-law Brian Annis, daughter Sandra, son-in-law David Van Klaveren, son Steven, daughter-in-law Coreen; their mother, Sylvia and survived by his older brother George. Norm was pre-deceased by his beloved wife, Kathy, and leaves behind step-daughter Andrea, her husband Gary, and step-son Lee and wife Kelly.
He was blessed to have six grandsons, Vincent, Andrew, Andrew, William, Aaron and Baillie – and two step-grand-daughters, Lauren and Paige. Uncle to Bill and wife Nancy, Susan and husband Chris, and cousins across Canada, the U.S.A and Northern Ireland. Son of the late Matthew and Kathleen (Hassard) Pennell of Northern Ireland.
Norm was born and raised in Toronto in the Donlands area and remembered biking, hiking and camping in the Don Valley when it was open space. When he was old enough to drive, his love affair with cars began and carried him through buying, fixing up and selling almost 100 vehicles through the course of his life.
He was active and curious, mechanically inclined and detail oriented – qualities that served him well in his many years as a quality assurance analyst at General Motors Diesel Division in London, ON. After retiring, Norm explored his creative side through painting, and didn’t hesitate to learn how to use new technology. He discovered the back alleys and short cuts by walking all over downtown Toronto, and cycled to explore his surroundings until his bike was confiscated for safety reasons at 85. From there, he continued to take transit out to explore areas of the city that were hosting events.
Norm is remembered fondly by the staff and residents at Hazelton Place where he enjoyed his last six years. In spite of declining health, he brought a positive attitude and smiles to the staff at Michael Garron and Bridgepoint Hospitals, along with his fondness for desserts.
Out of respect and caution for the changing circumstances caused by the Covid-19 virus, the family is postponing services originally planned for Friday, March 20th, 2020 until a future date. As well, a private interment will take place at Resthaven Memorial Gardens at a future date.
Donations will be appreciated for Michael Garron Hospital or Bridgepoint Active Health, or the cancer charity of your choice.
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