PENNINGA: John Robert “Rob” of London
Posted By Haskett Funeral Homes On October 4, 2026 @ 11:41 AM In Exeter, Obituary | 28 Comments
December 22, 1957 – October 3, 2026
On October 3, 2026, Rob passed peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones. He has now gone to the tender embrace of his Creator, forever treasured, forever understood.
If a life is measured in the love a person had, Rob was rich beyond measure. He dearly loved his children, Marisa and Anthony (Rachel). He was a beloved brother to Jane, Judy (Bryan), Joyce (Gary: 1950-2025), Deb (Shaun) and Don (Amy). He was excited to reunite with his late parents, Don and Gertie Penninga. He was a dear cousin, nephew and uncle in the Imanse, Kestle and Wurm families. He was even a great uncle to six very special kids. And Rob had friends that any of us would be fortunate to know, especially Rob List who helped him through many months of care.
Rob was truly a warrior who fought cancer as long and as hard as he could. He treasured all the time he had to play the keyboard, repair bikes and gadgets, study history and politics and, above all, share stories and happy memories. Rob, you will be always loved, missed and remembered.
Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 456 Main Street South, EXETER on Friday, October 9th from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM, where Rob’s funeral service will be held at 1 PM. Interment Exeter Cemetery.
Donations to St. Joseph Hospice, London would be appreciated by the family.
Our heartfelt thanks goes to Bayshore, especially Nurse Baiju; Dr. Achtar and the VON PSW service and the wonderful, kind staff at St Joseph’s Hospice, London Ontario. Special thanks to his best friend, Rob List – Rob L, he couldn’t have gotten through these months without you.
Condolences for the family of “PENNINGA: John Robert “Rob” of London”
My thoughts and prayers to all. He will be missed by all that knew him. Safe in the arm of Jesus.
Don & Amy and Penninga family,
My sincere sympathies for your loss.
You are all in my thoughts & prayers.
Penninga family- condolences to you all- I don’t have memories of your brother as he was older but I do have great memories of playing in the neighbourhood with Deb, Donny, Joyce – memories are the things that get us through- hold onto them ❤️
In my youth, I remember fondly playing with Rob at the Imanse farm. I found him to be a humorous and a gentle spirited person. I enjoyed his wit and his insightfulness. He always made you feel welcomed. I remember him using his musical talent and entertaining us at family gatherings.
On behalf of myself and our family, sincere condolences to you all. He will be greatly missed.
To Rob’s family (Penninga’s) so sorry for your loss of a father, brother, uncle and friend.
It has been over 4 decades since I last saw Rob, but I have very fond memories of him from my childhood & early high school days.
My heart is with the entire Penninga family at this time.💐
Kathleen (Kathy) Speziale
Penninga family, heartfelt condolences on your loss of a dear Father, Brother and Uncle. I remember Rob as a kind man. Cherish your precious memories. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Don & Amy & Families,
So sorry for your loss; We are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
Randy Mathers & Andrea Stephen.
Joyce, so sorry for you loss. My condolences to you and your family.
Our thoughts are with all of you through this difficult time of losing a loved one.
Our sincere condolences
Jeff Verhoeven and Lori Steckle
Jane & Family,
Sending my condolences to you. The stories told in the coming days will help you navigate through the coming days.
Jane, Judy, Joyce,Don Jr. I’m so sorry to hear of Robs passing. Knew him well as a young boy as I worked with his dad for a few years. He was a great kid and a character as well. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys at this sad time.
My condolences to the Penninga family. Your family is in my thoughts.
To all of Robs family sorry to hear of his passing ! Rob had unmistakable laugh which he shard with many ! I worked with Rob in the early years of work. Mid 70,s. Fun was had by all. Rob liked his cars and would drive just about anywhere for the ride. Day or night ! Rob and I camped a couple night early 90,s to catch up with things not far from Walkerton. Good times ! And would hear from Rob intermittently there after. Again sorry to hear Rob passed !
To the Penninga family
So sorry to hear of Rob’s passing. May you cherish the memories. My condolences to the family.
I’m sorry to hear this, Condolences to Family and fellow friends who were fortunate to share their lives with Rob. Rob and I had had a lot of good times together in the 1980, coincidently Rob came up in conversation on the 3rd here in Kingston as I was reminiscing about some of our memorable trips together, I haven’t heard from Rob in a long time but often think of him, he will be missed by many.
Don, Amy and all the family,
Sorry to here of Rob’s passing. We send our sincere condolences and hope you find comfort in happy memories.
My heart goes out to Rob’s entire extended family. He was a joyful person to be around. Although I haven’t seen him since teenage years, my fond memories of him as a kind and fun person to be around will remain.
His obituary was beautifully and lovingly written. My condolences on your loss.
Dear Rob, your cousin from Holland/Canada. Spend some time with all of you’s on Huron street 1975, 1979, 1980 twice. What a joy and fun time that was. Thank all of you’s.
You visited us in Holland, I,ll never forget.
Boy oh boy how you played the piano, Sultans of Swing, loved it.
Keep playing Rob up there in heaven.
Your cousin Gabe – Jan.
Deepest sympathy to entire Penninga family.
I remember Rob being such a great artist The hugh tree he made in your front living room out of orange construction paper. It was a piece of beautiful art.
Rob you will be missed by many.
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the Penninga family for their loss.
I’ve only known Rob for the last 5 years but he had made a huge impact on my life and anyone else who got to know him. He always had a fresh home made apple pie on the counter to share when I got to visit. I will miss you dearly my friend!
Marisa, Anthony & Rachel; Don & Amy, Jane, Judy & Bryan, Joyce, Deb & Shaun; Andy & Ruth and the Imanse family;
Our sincere condolences in the loss of Rob. The Penninga & Heimrich family friendship goes back to the early 60’s when we were neighbours on Sanders Street east. I enjoyed reacquainting with Rob in 1987 when he purchased a vehicle from me. We had some good chats at that time and in the following years. Rob was a super friendly and nice guy. My Mom, Marilyn Heimrich, wishes to express her sympathy to all of you all at this time as well. You all remain in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace Rob.
Mark & Julie Heimrich, Sarah, Scott & Spencer; Marilyn Heimrich; and staff at Lifetime Water Products Exeter.
My deepest sympathy to Marisa and Anthony…. Love you both so much!❤️
We were very sorry to hear of Rob’s passing. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Meg Forestell-Page and Family
Sorry to hear the passing of “Robby”.
He was a great friend growing up in Exeter. Plays piano amazingly at our age.
Kind wishes to to the Family.
Rest in peace Robby!
God Less.
Beste Jane, Judy, Joyce, Deb en Don,
Gecondoleerd met het overlijden van jullie broer. Ik wens jullie heel veel sterkte in deze moeilijke tijd.
To Rob family I am sorry about your loss. Life is so short and precious please hold each other close and think of Rob often. Catherine Horrell-Morley and family
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To the Penninga family, your are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ed & Marie Nethercott