Jim Penny passed away at age 96 on April 18, 2023. (Photo: Lethbridge & District Exhibition)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge mourns loss of business leader Jim Penny

Apr 19, 2023 | 3:30 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge’s Jim Penny passed away at the age of 96 on April 18, 2023.

Born in Macoun, Saskatchewan in 1927, Jim Penny and his wife Hazel moved to Lethbridge in 1968 and became prominent members of the business community.

The couple owned several fast food franchises. Jim is credited with bringing Taco Time to Canada, opening the first location in the Great White North in 1978 and helping to significantly expand the company’s presence throughout the country.

They also owned several Dairy Queen and A&W franchises, a ranch near Pincher Creek, and were partners in Capital Furniture in Lethbridge, which later became known as Leon’s.

In 2012, Jim and Hazel donated the former Capital Furniture building in downtown Lethbridge to the University of Lethbridge (U of L), renaming it the Dr. Foster James Penny Building, in honour of their son, who passed away at 44 years old.

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Penny served on the board of Lethbridge & District Exhibition from 1973-1992 and was the president in 1985-86.

Flags at Exhibition Park have been lowered to half-mast in honour of Penny’s passing.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now