One of the key players in the history of Steinbach real estate has died.

George Penner passed away at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre late last month, leaving behind his wife, two kids, and a legacy of enthusiasm around the housing market.

For those who knew him, Penner brought a unique vibrancy to the real estate industry.While Penner did serve for some time as a Steinbach city councillor, what he was known for was his knack for development. Penner and his associate George Neufeld are perhaps best known for purchasing the farmland that existed north of Steinbach along Highway 12. Their ingenuity paved the way for numerous businesses as well as the community with their shared name, “Georgetown”.

Penner was also responsible for bringing Century 21 Realty to both Steinbach and Western Canada in the same sweeping motion.

“He was a mover and a shaker and knew way ahead of time that franchise real estate was the way to go,” comments Waldo Neustaedter, the present owner of Century 21 Goldkey Realty.

“His slogan was ‘Let George do it,’” continues Neustaedter. “He was really enthusiastic about his real estate, very resourceful, and committed to a good level of service to his clients.”

George Penner passed away at the age of 89.Neustaedter says he became acquainted with Penner well before his own career in real estate began.

“I was the kid in the Dodge car wash in 1972 that washed his car,” he chuckles, “That is how I got to know him.”

Throughout the years, Neustaedter went from waxing Penner’s vehicles to having discussions with him on a professional level.

“When I started in the real estate business in the year 1999, I got to know him even better. He’d always have time for a coffee or a lunch and I learned a lot from him.”

One of Penner’s habits that stuck with Neustaedter was his tendency to treat all potential customers equally.

“Anyone that he would meet, young or old, he treated them the same, whether or not they were actually qualified to buy.”

George Penner died on Friday, November 20, at the age of 89 with his wife and daughter by his bedside. Because of restrictions around COVID-19, only five people were permitted to attend the private funeral service. Penner now rests at the Heritage Cemetery in Steinbach.