After complications from Parkinson's Keith passed away peacefully on October 5th, 2022 with his family by his side at the age of 75. Keith leaves behind his wife of 52 years and the love of his life, Judy. Loving father of Kent (Heather), Kyle, Kera (Chad Leblanc), Kaelan (Kyle Henderson), and Keith (Kylie). He will be greatly missed by his 8 adoring grandchildren. Predeceased by his parents Jack and Edith Penney. Survived by his brother John (Dorothy) Penney.
Born in Montreal on 29 April, 1947 Keith was always outgoing and adventurous, leading him to a long and successful career in the RCAF. Throughout his career he earned a reputation for his leadership and changing the Canadian Armed Forces for the better with a sincere regard for people. Some of the highlights of his service were Chairman of the Shearwater International Air Show, Command Engineer for Air Command during the Gulf War, creation of the Airfield Engineering Squadrons and the RCAF Readiness Challenge Competition Team, implementing the Defence Ethics Program, and special assignment to the Vice Chief of Defence Staff as the Chief Management Renewal Services responsible for spearheading positive culture change in the military.
Over the many postings across Canada the Penney Clan was always very involved in their adopted community. As a father he volunteered for all his children’s activities: hockey dad, Scouts dad, dancing dad, swimming dad, band dad, and much more. Keith had many talents and passions throughout his life. He loved hockey, oil painting, square dancing, completely rebuilt an Austin Mini car, woodworking, was always working on a DIY project, karate, and creating stained glass. He was a very proud member of the RCMP and Ottawa Police Pipe Bands. He was well known for his love of good food, a pint of Guinness and his sweet tooth.
A special thank you to Erica, Michelle and the rest of the staff at R1S at the Rideau and Perley Veterans’ Health Centre for the care and compassion they provided the Penney family.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation at Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Ave.) on Saturday, October 22nd, 2022 from 11am to 1pm followed by a memorial service and interment in the National Military Cemetery of Canada. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Parkinson Canada Home - Parkinson Canada .
Digital Guestbook
Mark Cameron
Canadian Military Engineers
The Canadian Military Engineers extend to you and your family our deepest sympathies in your time of sorrow upon the passing of Keith Penney.
Major General D. Benjamin, CMM, CD (Retired)
Colonel Commandant of the Canadian Military Engineers
https://cmea-agmc.ca/cme-family-last-post
Beth & Don Davis
Judy, Kent, Kyle, Kera, Kaelan & Keith:
We reflect very fondly on our years together in Gagetown, and will never forget Keith. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Terry & Graham Lindsay
Judy and family:
We were greatly saddened to learn of Keith’s passing. You were all such kind and supportive neighbours in Gagetown. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Linda Hatter (cousin)
My deepest sympathies to Judy and your family. The beautifully written obituary showed how very much Keith was a wonderful and caring person. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Carman McNary
Kyle and Penney Family - very sincere condolences from Averie and I on Keith’s passing. Our thoughts are with you, and we hope that your wonderful memories of your father and grandfather will provide peace through this difficult time, and lasting enjoyment of reminiscences of happier times. God Bless.
George Macdonald, LGen (Ret;d)
My thoughts and prayers are will you all. Keith was a superb officer. I learned through personal experience in working with him in the mid-90's that he was a born leader. He was very caring and compassionate, with a strong ethical approach to everything -- a terrific example for all of us to follow.
Shirley Shea
Judy and Family. I am so sorry for your loss. Judy, you provided such wonderful support to Keith and you were a strong advocate for him. I often saw the family at the duck pond on the Pearly Grounds visiting Keith. The grandchildren running after him. He was so well loved and cared for. He will rest at Beautiful Beechwood and he will be so missed.
David Hardy
It was with deep sorrow I learned of the passing of my cousin and buddy, Keith. Because he was the youngest on the Penney side, I knew him from the diaper stage to his manhood days. We spent a fair amount of time together laughing and joking, sleeping on floors with his brother and my sister, and keeping Uncle John shouting at us.
My sincere sympaty to Judy and all the Special "Ks."God bless!
Bob Garsnell Capt. (Ret'd)
MGen. Penney was my boss in Shearwater when he was a LCol. He wa without a doubt one of the finest officers I ever met and served with. To MGen Penney's family and friends please accept my sincerest condolences. May he forever Rest in Peace. GOD SPEED
Kyle, please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your father. Our thoughts are with you and your family today.