A little Motown, a lot of love: Remembering Robert by giving back

Before Robert Penner passed away in April 2026, he and his wife, Kathy, had a conversation about how he wanted to be remembered. 

After 49 years together, Robert had one request: he wanted a party. 

“At first, he wanted a North End street party,” Kathy laughs.  

Instead, they decided on a good old-fashioned Winnipeg social at the Red River Community Centre, complete with the music and food Robert remembered from the 80s. He wanted Motown, disco, kubasa, rye bread, pickles and cheese.

Together, they agreed the proceeds would go to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. 

The importance of support

Robert had been living with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, along with other serious health conditions, for around three years. As his health declined, Kathy took on more of his care at home, until his needs became more than she could physically manage. 

“There were some really bad times, but there were still some good times,” she says. 

Although Kathy didn’t access the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba’s support services during Robert’s illness, she recognizes how important they can be for many families.

“My heart goes out to families who live with this for years and years,” Kathy says.

Now, Kathy wants to speak openly about her experience as a care partner.

She remembers how overwhelming it was to navigate her husband’s changing needs, often without knowing what might come next. Caring for someone living with dementia can be difficult, and Kathy understands that families aren’t always prepared for how much their lives may change. The Society offers information, education and support to help families understand what they’re experiencing and find guidance along the way. 

A night to remember

On August 28, Kathy and their two sons joined hundreds of family and friends to celebrate Robert’s life. They sold 325 tickets, along with another 125 support tickets from people who couldn’t attend but still wanted to contribute. The evening came together with help from friends and family who took care of the planning, ticket sales and work behind the scenes. Kathy is grateful for the time they gave when she had so much else to manage. 

Lady in Red by Chris de Burgh was Kathy and Robert’s favourite song. Over their 49 years together, they’d shared countless dances to it, including one in their own backyard. So, when it came time to celebrate Robert’s life, Kathy wore red, just for him. 

By the end of the evening, they had raised $8,400 for the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. 

Kathy hopes the money can help support dementia research and help families who need information and support as they care for someone they love. 

It was the party Robert had asked for, down to the music and the food. For Kathy, it was a chance to do something for the families who are still living through what she and Robert experienced.