Roger Thomas Pennell

With sadness and great appreciation for a life well lived, we announce the unexpected passing of Roger Pennell at his Garfield home on July 17, 2024.

Roger Thomas Pennell was born November 21, 1949, in Colfax, Wash., to Tom and Jan Pennell. He was the middle child to two sisters, Marcia and Jeanne. Roger was raised on the family farm in Garfield where he learned the value of hard work and family. He graduated from Garfield High School in 1968. Staying close to home and the farm, he attended Washington State University, receiving a degree in physical education. During his time there, he was a proud member of the SAE fraternity where he made many lifelong friends. After a brief time teaching physical education at Ferris High School, Roger returned to the family farm to farm along side his dad.

In 1985 Roger married the love of his life, Lyn Tribbett. Together they made their home on the family farm where he grew up. One year later they welcomed their daughter Karlyn. Roger was a loving, supportive and active father and husband. He loved his two girls more than anything. As a family, many memories were made on family vacations, Cougar athletic events and many many weekends at the lake. In 2009 he finally got his son and successor to the family farm when Karlyn married her high school sweetheart Doug Swinney. However, his family still wasn't complete. It was when his first grandson Brady was born that he found his true calling as "Papa." Five years later his second grandson, Blake joined him. Papa and his boys spent countless hours in the kiddie pool and lake, playing a game of baseball, foosball or air hockey and his favorite pass time of going for a drive. Of course, there was always ice cream or donuts involved. Roger was an avid Cougar fan and he passed his love of the Cougars on to Brady. They enjoyed talking all things Cougars and rarely missed a football game together.

Roger loved people. You would often find him at Papè, Jones Truck or Rosauers, conversing with his friends and neighbors. He truly knew no stranger and would strike up a conversation with anyone willing to listen. No matter where you went with Roger, he always knew someone. Serving and being a part of the community was very important to him. He served on many boards and was always willing to help his neighbors.

Farming was Roger's passion. He was a big advocate of conservation farming and was always willing to share his knowledge with others. Like most farmers he never did fully retire. But, it is comforting to know that he passed away doing what he loved.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Jan Pennell. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Lyn Pennell, daughter Karlyn (Doug) Swinney, grandsons Blake and Brady Swinney, sisters Marcia McCracken (Jim Davis) and Jeanne (Jim) Tribbett and numerous nieces and nephews.

Roger was laid to rest in the Garfield Cemetery and a Celebration of Life was held Tuesday at the Garfield Christian Church. The family suggests memorial gifts be made to the Anna Schindler Foundation, 6700 S Stateline Rd, Post Falls, ID 83854 On-line guest book is at http://www.corbeillfuneralhomes.com Corbeill Funeral Home in Colfax is caring for the family.