FORMER MINISTER DIES

Former Swift Current MLA, Energy and Mines Minister, Associate Finance Minister, and Crown Investments Minister John Penner died this morning of heart failure at his Swift Current home. Penner was 71.

"I join with my legislative colleagues and Saskatchewan people in extending the greatest sympathy to Mr. Penner's wife Jo, and their two daughters Maxine and Sheila," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "Mr. Penner demonstrated a considerable commitment to the public, as a teacher, later as a cabinet minister, and through his ongoing involvement in his local community."

John Penner served as Saskatchewan's Energy and Mines Minister from 1991 to 1993. He was appointed Associate Finance Minister and Minister responsible for the Crown Investments Corporation in January, 1993. Penner retained those portfolios until his retirement from Cabinet on February 3rd, 1995, after suffering a mild heart attack and undergoing bypass surgery.

Prior entering political life, Penner taught school for 31 years.

Funeral services are planned for Monday, March 10th, 2:00 pm, Trailview Alliance Church, 298 Battleford Trail, Swift Current.

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