Obituary of Leo Penner

Leo Penner, better known as Leo the Tree Man, passed away Monday, November 30th, 2020, at St. Boniface hospital. He was a friend to all, and we are comforted knowing that our collective sadness is bringing us together in this time, even if not in person.

**A Celebration Of Life will be held on September 18, 2022 at 2pm at Birchwood Funeral Chapel Co-op in Steinbach. **

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 51 years, Shirley, son Darcy (Pam), grandsons Jerzey and Ryder, daughter Coralee (Jason), and son Jon. His surviving siblings include brother Roy, sisters Ruth, Gladys and Dorothy, one-half brother Alvin, one-half sister Wilma, and numerous step-siblings.
He was predeceased by his parents and an extensive list of half and step-siblings.

Leo was born on April 15, 1947, to C.W. and Margaret Penner and grew up in Steinbach. Leo’s career included driving long distance for Penner’s Transfer and then locally for Barkman Concrete. He ran a Christmas tree lot for many years, and selling people the perfect tree made him so happy! After prompting from his half-brother Gordon, he continued the family tradition of tree-trimming, and his arborist business, Leo the Tree Man, was born. Leo LOVED people, and with his son Jon by his side, they went the extra mile to ensure that all of their customers were well taken care of. In 2016, Leo had an accident on the job site and suffered a spinal cord injury that left him in a wheelchair. This transition was not always easy, and he did the best that he could to remain positive and continue telling stories and jokes to everyone that he met. In the last few years, he loved knitting toques, playing crokinole, watching YouTube, and sharing a Werthers with everyone visiting him at Le Chalet in La Broquerie.

In lieu of cards and flowers, donations can be made to Stars Air Ambulance.