Daniel (William) Penman

Daniel (William) Penman lived a long life full of telling stories through words and pictures, bringing together his family, and finding excitement adventuring throughout his home in Victoria, British Columbia. He recently made a trip to Bermuda to visit his sister Caroline Faries, and his nieces and nephews. Grandpa often discussed his trips and times with his dear friend Tony Peter’s and his wife Carol.

While he was growing up, he spent lots of time at sister Anita and brother-in-law Roy McCaughey’s farm. There he ate Auntie Anita’s potato pancakes and grew his passion for horses and made many memories that lasted a lifetime, which later served him well through his time on the board of directors at Sylvan Acres Baptist Camp. Sylvan Acres Bible Camp welcomed his business and real-estate skills, and he made life-long friendships and memories that he got to revisit this past Summer amongst the camp’s alumni, family, friends, and passersby. Grandpa’s faith in the Lord carried him through his life and in his last moments, he continued to share how the Lord touched his heart with words he read from Ecclesiastes and Revelations. He would often offer prayer for people one-on-one and happily said a prayer for family gatherings, with reverence and joy in being amongst loved ones.

Left to mourn are his beloved children, Katherine Penman (David), Holly Carmichael (James), Wendy Penman (John). Grandpa fostered a value for family at gatherings and was enthusiastic and engaged in being there for his grandkids as well as their families, making sure to say hello and goodbye to each person, and letting them know they were seen and a valued member of the family. His grandchildren include Karli (Shane) Turner, Kristen (Nick) Pivetta, Meghan Penman, Shelby Carmichael, Chelsey (Jay) Carmichael, Michael Paulin, and Cameron Paulin. He was proud of each of them and wanted each to know they belonged and are a part of the family at all moments. Grandpa also shared precious moments of life with his great grandchildren Jack, Aria, and Phoneixx, and Coen and Callum Turner. His grandchildren also have a multitude of pets that he would happily play with at family gatherings, whether it was for a holiday meal, birthday picnic with Kentucky Fried Chicken or Fish and Chips in his neighbourhood, downtown Victoria, or for walks at Willow’s Beach. His birthday wish commonly was for everyone to be together, and often it included Coca-Cola and a picnic.

Memories from his Grandchildren:

“Grandpa Penman had a special gift for capturing life’s moments, always behind the camera, making sure our family memories would last forever. He enjoyed sharing stories from his life, and there was always wisdom tucked into his words, whether he meant to be teaching us or not. Some of my favourite memories are simply sitting and listening, learning from his experiences and the way he saw the world. He showed his love through his presence — he was always there, at every gathering and every celebration, quietly supporting the people he cared about most. The love he had for his family was at the heart of everything he did. His love, guidance, and steady presence are things I will carry with me always.”

“I was incredibly fortunate to have a loving grandpa who was brilliant, thoughtful, and wise. He has always been an example of strength in the lives of all his daughters, and grandchildren. No matter the circumstances, he was a pillar of strength and support for them all, loving each of them fully and without condition.

Every visit we shared felt special, our conversations were filled with lightness, laughter, insight, and deeply held beliefs that helped shape the way I see the world. He always encouraged me to trust in God, to laugh it off, to see the good in people, to welcome change, and to live life fully. He lead a courageous life, meeting life’s challenges with grace and humility. 

At family gatherings he often stood quietly behind the camera, capturing authentic moments of the people he loved so deeply. He would snap a photo and then lift his head with a warm, knowing smile content simply to be there, surrounded by love. His love for these genuine moments, reflected the deep authenticity and contentment he carried within himself. I will always cherish our chats, his genuine wit, and quiet self assuredness, and how he always lead with doing the right thing. His warm heart truly filled every space he entered. His courage, faith, and deep love for his family above all else will continue to be honored and felt in all of us.”

“Grandpa wanted to make sure everyone was taken care of and seen. He had the ability to be at all of the family events he was invited to and made sure to take photos of each one– memories for us to hold on to. He had a passion for talking on subjects that often go unheard, and growing his knowledge on others’ perspectives, through an academic or political debate and sharing the stories of people’s faiths, mysteries, and lessons that he learned from God throughout his own life. He cherished memories in nature and exploration, especially when they included his close friends and family. He wasn’t afraid to go to McDonald’s for a treat at any time of day, including for pineapples at 4:00 AM in Hawaiian Time. While growing up, Grandpa was also active and enjoyed rollerblading, walking, and coffee. He spoke fondly of his time living in Alberta, and a light in his eye sparkled whenever he spoke of his memories. Grape ice cream was his favourite kind, and ice cream in general was a favourite treat for him. He was kind to his nurses who took care of him and had a desire for people to have fun when thinking about him and made sure that each new addition to the family felt welcome and would have a laugh with them.”

“Grandpa Penman was a man of many strengths and knowledge. Always a camera in hand at every function whether it was Christmas with the family or a KFC picnic at the beach, you could find him capturing all the little moments. He had admirable strength in his faith in the Lord and wealth of biblical knowledge. There was always consistency in the Lord being his foundation, even during his last days he reminded family that he is on his way to the greater life that comes after life on Earth. He often spoke of his life stories in a lesson format for us grandchildren to gain knowledge in and spoke fondly of the stories of his dear friends Tony and Carol Peters. He always had witty phrases he would sneak in at any moment. Things like “not too bad for an old guy” or “that’s the stuff” a reminder that lightheartedness can exist in all moments. Above all, he was consistent to any function and was always present… At Christmas time you could rely on him being there with his Santa hat either tucked into his pocket or worn sideways on his head. Those moments I will cherish with me moving forward. His open heart to love strongly and cherish the presence of others as deeply as he did is something I look back with admiration. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to share these moments with him throughout my life.”

Grandpa planned and arranged his own funeral before his passing, and the invite is extended with open hearts and arms, for anyone wanting and able to attend.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC, followed by burial next door in the Royal Oak Burial Park. A Reception will follow the services in the Sequoia Centre.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

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