Victor Joseph Pennell

It is with great sorrow our family wishes to share that we have lost our rock, our beloved husband and father. Victor Joseph Pennell, of Bay Bulls, formerly of Trepassey, NL lost his courageous battle with kidney disease and a recent cancer diagnosis on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

He was predeceased by his parents Daniel and Margaret (White), parents in law William and Ita Curtis and 13 siblings, Gerald, John Mike, Phonse, Cyril, Anthony, Leo, Harold, Joseph, Kathleen, Theresa and Mary, Reggie and infant, Cyril. Victor is the last sibling of the Pennell family.

Left to mourn is the love of his life, his devoted wife of 58 years, Doris (nee Curtis) as well as his only son, Curtis (Pamela), their children Victoria and Matthew, daughters Vanessa (Dan Austin), their children Zac and Natalie, Nicole and her son Gavin, and Melissa (Wing Au) and their daughters Maddy and Savannah. Also left to mourn brother-in-law Cyril, Ryan, sisters-in-law: Shirley Pennell, Marie Pennell, Mary Walsh, Pat Tessier, Mary Curtis and Helena Lomond, (Charles) as well as a large circle of nieces, nephews and extended Pennell and Curtis families. He will be sadly missed also by many friends and neighbours including special friends, Gerard Kennedy and Barb O'Driscoll.

Victor was an active volunteer his entire life, right up until very recently when mobility prevented him from doing many of the things he devoted much time to in the community. In Trepassey, he was a volunteer Firefighter and served with Town council and the Canadian Rangers. He was a member of the Lions Club and the Knights of Columbus in both Trepassey and Bay Bulls. In 1992 he was honoured to be appointed a Melvin Jones Fellow by the Lions International Organization for dedicated humanitarian service. In earlier years he loved spending time in the woods and was well known for his wood working crafts. More recently, he enjoyed playing darts, cards and bingo with friends and neighbours and as a member of the 50+ groups in Trepassey and Bay Bulls.

Victor's family was so important to him. He was always there to lend a hand when anyone needed assistance. He was very close with his children and his beloved brothers and sisters, visiting them often and keeping in touch with those who lived far away. His grandchildren brought so much joy to his life, and he was extremely proud of all of their accomplishments. He was so happy to have reached his 85th birthday in March and was extremely touched by the wonderful outpouring of birthday greetings and visits from family, neighbours and friends from near and afar.

Our family would like to express sincere gratitude to the many health care professionals who helped dad throughout his lengthy illness. Staff at the Kidney Care and Dialysis units on Topsail Road were so kind and he looked forward to his Dialysis visits as much as any social event in his week. His home care workers brightened his days, and his taxi drivers went above and beyond to make sure he was on time for his dialysis appointments with professionalism and care. Dr. Rogers and nursing staff at the Dr. L A Miller Palliative Care Unit provided wonderful support and gentle care in his final hours. We are grateful for every day we had with him. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Ryan's funeral home in Bay Bulls. Visitation will be held at Ryan's funeral home, Main Rd., Bay Bulls on Sunday, April 27th from 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Redeemer RC Church, Trepassey on Monday April 28th, 2025 at 2:00 pm with inurnment to follow at Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Trepassey.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to the Healthcare Foundation of NL or charity of your choice.

“May he rest in Peace.”

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