An award-winning Winnipeg architect has passed away leaving behind well-known landmarks as a legacy.

David Penner passed away on January 8, 2020. He was a designer, advocate, and Fellow of the Royal Architecture Institute of Canada.

Many are mourning his loss including the Winnipeg Architecture Foundation. "He has left a legacy of important contemporary buildings and volunteerism in our architectural community," says WAF in a tweet featuring many structures Penner created. 

Penner was the mind behind the Buhler Centre, Stella's Cafe on Portage, the Windsor Park Library, Kelvin Highschool's active living centre, multiple Forks waterfront structures and so much more. 

"David was a visionary city builder who brought brilliance to the Winnipeg landscape and fought hard to renew our downtown."

According to those who knew and interacted with Penner, he made a difference not only through his structures but with his time in the community. Dr. Lisa Landrum, associate professor for the Department of Architecture at the University of Manitoba, says he left a wonderful legacy with the students at the university. 

"David is among the Faculty of Architecture's distinguished alumni and was always so generous with students over the years in sharing his knowledge and creative vision for the transformative role of design. His example will continue to inspire communities," Dr. Landrum shares.

Glen Murray, Winnipeg's 41st Mayor, shares his condolences as well saying, "David was a visionary city builder who brought brilliance to the Winnipeg landscape and fought hard to renew our downtown. He was a role model and leader."