In memory of

John Philip Penney

July 28, 1948 -  June 2, 2023

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of (John) Philip Penney at Sunnybrook Hospital on June 2nd, 2023. Phil, son of Norman and Miriam and brother of David, was raised in Sault Ste Marie, Ottawa, Moncton and Windsor before moving to Toronto for good in 1963 where he entered Leaside High School, then on to U. of T. for a B.A. and then the Toronto Teachers College for his teacher training. He joined the North York Board of Education (later Toronto) where he spent his entire career teaching both elementary classrooms and music. He was passionate about teaching and passed the love of learning on to his students. Phil was an excellent choral conductor and in every one of his schools his choirs thrived.
Phil’s love of choral music extended to his church bass section lead positions, notably at Yorkminster Park Church in Toronto, and his many years in the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir.
After retirement Phil spent a lot of time in Florida and Europe. He loved cycling, gardening, and spotting trains!
Private interment at Mount Pleasant Cemetery.
Memorial Service to take place at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church 1585 Yonge St. Toronto, on Wednesday June 21st, at 1pm. Livestream at: https://www.yorkminsterpark.com/memorial/PhilPenney/

Guestbook 

(5 of 10)

David James (Long-standing friend)

Entered June 8, 2023 from Toronto

Philip and I first met in Prof. Derek Holman’s Harmony Class in the U of T Music Faculty in 1966. We soon developed a friendship through our mutual love if music, especially choral and a few years later, found ourselves singing in the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, he in the bass section and I in the tenors. In later years, we didn’t see a lot of each other, but Philip was the kind of friend that if you encountered him downtown or at a concert, we could both pick right up where we’d left off, even if it had been a couple of years since our last visit. He was a true gentleman and a loyal friend and I count him among my oldest friends. I’m deeply sad about his passing. He will be sorely missed.

Nina Hillier (Fellow teacher)

Entered June 8, 2023 from Toronto

Phil was a fellow teacher of mine. I was a Junior/Senior Kindergarten teacher there at Bayview School. I was impressed with his ability to bring out the best in his students as he taught music and choir to the students. They looked up to him and respected him as their teacher and enjoyed their classes with him.

His smile and friendly, caring manner drew us to him and we liked him very much.

Maureen and John Crofts (Friends)

Entered June 8, 2023 from Cobourg

Many happy memories of Phil first as a colleague and as a good friend for many years.
Thank you for the music Phil and much more, you will be missed.
Maureen and John.

Val Koziol (Chorister in TMC)

Entered June 10, 2023 from Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

I was sorry to learn of Phil's death. I sang in the TMC with Phil. He was a kind soul and a wonderful musician. Thank you for your musical contributions, Phil. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.

Sam Broverman (Friend)

Entered June 10, 2023 from Toronto

My deep condolences to Phil's family. He was a lovely man I enjoyed his friendship as a fellow chorister in the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir.

Photos 

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