Notice Board

The University of Lethbridge is saddened to learn of the passing of W. James (Jim) Penny, a longtime supporter of ULethbridge, and offers its sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

Penny and his wife Hazel, originally from Saskatchewan, spent their careers developing restaurant franchises in Canada and the United States. They started off as Dairy Queen franchisees in Estevan, Medicine Hat and Edmonton, and as Dairy Queen franchisors in northern Idaho and north-eastern Washington.

After living in Medicine Hat, the Pennys moved east to develop A&W franchises in Ottawa. In 1968, they then moved to Lethbridge and set roots in their new community, teaming with Jack Belzberg to open Capital Furniture, which they operated for 20 years. In the 1990s, a fire destroyed the building, and although it was later rebuilt, the Pennys sold the Capital Furniture business to concentrate their efforts on founding TacoTime Canada. In 2012, the Penny family generously gifted the landmark Capital Furniture building to the University of Lethbridge.

ULethbridge President & Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Mike Mahon, said at the time of the building opening that the space would serve as a testament to lifelong learning. It was dedicated by the Pennys in memory of their son, Foster, who passed away in 1992 after a five-year illness with Lou Gehrig's Disease. He was only 44 years old.

“We see this space as an excellent opportunity to further our connection with Lethbridge and the southern Alberta community," said Mahon. "We are extremely grateful to the Pennys for helping us to realize the vision of their late son Foster, and to continue his legacy as someone who loved learning and served his community in so many ways.”

A Funeral Service for Penny will be held on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, 11:30 a.m. at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 1818 5 Ave S. The University wil lower its flag that day in remembrance.