Notice Board

The University of Lethbridge expresses its deep condolences to the family, friends and former colleagues of Dr. Jim Penton, an original member of the University's Department of History, who passed away Nov. 4, 2024, at the age of 93.

Born in Saskatchewan, Penton lived an extraordinary life as a professor of history and religious studies. He was the last surviving member of the original Department of History, and actively researched and wrote up until the time of his passing. His most recent efforts were devoted to a book on religious persecution in Canada, with a focus on the history of Indigenous people in Canada. This work will be published posthumously.

Fluent in Spanish, Penton first taught in Puerto Rico, followed by universities in the states of Upper Michigan, Wisconsin and Iowa, as well as in Calgary. He was known as an excellent teacher, and continued to give very popular lectures and courses at the Burlington Seniors Centre after retirement.

Friends will be welcomed at the Dwayne D. Budgell Funeral Home, 1105 Rest Acres Road, Paris, Ontario on Friday, November 15, from 7 - 9 p.m. A Celebration of Life service will be held at St. James Anglican Church, 8 Burwell St, Paris, Ontario on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 11 a.m. The service will be live streamed starting at 10:50 a.m.

A full obituary is available here.

The University will lower its flag on honour of Penton this weekend.