Aid worker killed in Uzbekistan

Richard Penner

Richard Penner, 56, longtime humanitarian worker with MBMS International in Afghanistan and more recently with World Concern in Uzbekistan, was killed January 13 when a domestic airliner crashed in its approach to Uzbekistan’s capital Tashkent. It was reported that all 37 passengers and crew, including the senior United Nations official for Uzbekistan, perished. Richard is survived by his wife Ann and three married children.

Richard and Ann Penner, members of the North Kildonan MB Church, Winnipeg, moved to Afghanistan in 1978 to serve with International Assistance Mission (IAM) on behalf of MBMSI. Richard had been a bookstore manager in Winnipeg, but felt his life had a greater purpose and was drawn to overseas service.

The initial two-year term turned into more than 25 years of service in the Central Asia region. The couple worked with medical projects, including setting up a prosthetic clinic and an eye hospital, and Richard served as IAM director from 1985 to 1992.

They returned to Canada in 1992 but Richard felt he had to return to where he was needed. In 1993, they went to Uzbekistan with World Concern, an international Christian humanitarian organization. At the time of his death, Richard was serving as country manager and overseeing a food-production project.

Friends, family, and co-workers alike praised his passion for service. “He always wanted to help people,” said his sister, Viola Epp. “His heart was so huge.”

Dr. Herb Friesen, longtime co-worker in healthcare in Afghanistan, said: “Richard was very decisive, a man of action, and deeply committed to the work in Afghanistan. He had a real way with people, and a real passion for the people of Afghanistan.”

Staff at World Concern spoke of his expertise on the region and his many contacts with government officials and non-governmental workers, and recalled his “wise insights and sense of humour.”

The Penners lived through the Soviet invasion and Mujahedeen takeover of the central government of Afghanistan, but accepted the dangers because of their commitment to the people they had come to serve. The risks were very real, but those who knew Richard said he never focussed on that.

Richard Penner was buried in a Tashkent cemetery after a private funeral. Hundreds of mourners attended a memorial service in Tashkent Jan. 20, with plans for a service in Winnipeg at a later date. Contributions in his memory may be made to MBMS International. “His sudden death is a great loss,” says Harold Ens, MBMS International director. “My hope is that his example will challenge others to give their lives in service as Richard did.”

—from MBMSI release and reports in Winnipeg Free Press