ARCHIE PENNIE
Posted: September 3rd, 20131916 – 2013
Born prematurely in Banff, Scotland, days before the Battle of the Somme, Archie spent his first month in a shoe box beside the family stove. He died peacefully, in his 98th year, of respiratory failure on August 28 in the trauma unit at the Ottawa Civic Hospital; three days earlier, the grandfather clock he was adjusting toppled onto him and fractured six ribs. Mourned by his wife of 63 years Barbara (Smith), and children Ross (Lorna), Sheena (Tim) and their families. Deeply missed by staff and residents at the Palisades Retirement Residence, Ottawa and friends across the globe. Archie grew up to be a rocket scientist, mechanical genius, quoter of Shakespeare, writer of pithy vignettes about his time as a WW2 airman, and devoted family man. He studied explosives at Glasgow University and learned to fly with the RAF on our Prairies with the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. After the war, he served with the Defence Research Board in Quebec City, Ottawa, Fort Churchill, Manitoba and Suffield, Alberta. He spent his forty-year retirement as a clockmaker. He never lost his prodigious memory and was inspiringly upbeat amid the loss of his eyesight and hearing. Archie was short on patience, but had a profound interest in others, neighbourly kindness, and impish charm that won hearts wherever he went. Visitation Friday Oct 4, 7-9 PM and memorial service Saturday Oct 5, 1 PM at Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod, Ottawa. Audiobooks on CD, provided by Ottawa’s Public Library and the CNIB, brought Archie infinite fulfillment. Donations to either would be much appreciated.
Good Night, Sweet Prince.
Our most sincere condolences for your loss. May the Almighty God strengthen and comfort you through this most difficult time (Psalms 55:22)
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dawn.
Dear Mrs. Pennie,
My condolences to you, Sandy, Sheena and their families. I remember Archie, “Mr Pennie” to us kids, growning up in the halcyon days of the DND in Ralston in the late 50s and early 60s. He was always friendly and kind. I remember that so clearly. In later years, as I developed an interest in history, I found an article that he had written about the development of Suffield, etc. It increased my respect for him even more, and ever since then, I had wondered what had happened to your family and where you ended up after transferring from Ralston.
Regardless, my intent is to say how much I appreciated his kindness and to express my sympathies to you and yours.
Respectfully,
Calvin Olmstead