It is with great sadness that Pennecon says goodbye to our Founder and Co-Chairman, Mr. Ches Penney, who passed away on Thursday, January 26th, surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Penney lived a long and full life, and we are thankful to have had the opportunity to work with him, learn from him, and laugh with him.

Mr. Penney was a visionary leader known for his transparency, his grit, his charity, and his humility. Pennecon and the Penney Group of companies employ a combined 3,000 people, in six provinces throughout Canada, and have earned national accolades such as the Canada’s Best Managed Companies designation. Mr. Penney has been recognized on a personal level for his business success and philanthropy; he was named to the Order of Canada and the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador, was awarded an honourary degree from Memorial University, and received numerous other awards and honours throughout the course of his career.

Indeed, Mr. Penney was a successful business person. But his accomplishments as a people person were even greater. He partnered with and employed talented, passionate people, and empowered them with the balance of support and autonomy that ensured they would succeed. We are eternally grateful to him for mentoring us, and we commit to honouring his legacy by continuing the work he was so passionate about, while upholding the values he imparted to us: hard work, honesty and integrity.