John David “Scott” Halpenny
January 6, 2024
In loving memory of John David Scott Halpenny, known to all as Scott, who peacefully left us after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Born to John and Virginia Halpenny, Scott was a beloved brother to Jana Tobin and late Claire Thorup. His legacy lives on through his wife Denise Halpenny and their children: Kendra (Shane) Cormier, Reid (Lisa) Halpenny, and Bryce Halpenny (fiancé Stephanie McIntosh). Family was at the center of his world, and it is important to acknowledge that he took immense pride in being a beloved uncle to several nieces and nephews and a grandfather to Ryan, Luke, Mason, and Brooklyn.
Teaching was Scott’s lifelong career, a calling that became the cornerstone of his purpose. He dedicated himself to shaping young minds and fostering a love for learning throughout his professional journey. Building off this calling as an educator, he was also a committed athlete and coach. His passion for sports and coaching left a lasting impact on those he mentored.
A dedicated husband, devoted father, inspirational coach, passionate teacher, and cherished friend, Scott touched the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
A celebration of Scott’s remarkable life will be held in late spring, with details of the location and time to be finalized at a later date. Rest in peace Scooter. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario in Scott’s honour.
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I worked with Scott at Norway House High School. Sometime in his second year we realized that we had met at U. Waterloo in '77. Scott was all-in for coaching & taking kids to tournaments (most weekends). His other passion was Denise & we cold see why after she moved to Norway House. On a September week end when he wasn't coaching, he came on a fly-in fishing trip with me, Rick & Wayne and presented us with his cigarillo-toting, sling shot-shooting alter-ego Wild Billy, complete with sleeveless denim vest. One of my favorite trips. Oddly, I've had the photo of that trip on my bulletin board for the last two years. I regret his passing. I always looked up to him for the loving relation he had with Denise.
Denise and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you and sending prayers and hugs.
So sorry to hear this sad news I remember him and I played hockey not on ice but in the front driveway and his mom’s and dad’s place. So long ago but never forgot his beautiful smile. 😊
Denise, Kendra, Reid, Bryce, and family, My deepest condolences on the passing of Scott. What a pleasure it was to have taught with him at SHDHS and to learn from him. He was a friend, and his passion for teaching and coaching was something to aspire towards. Scott always had a smile and his kindness will be missed. He put up with my constant chatter and even joked about my "singing and dancing" at his retirement party. Scott was just a wonderful human, and the love he had for you was always evident. May the many happy memories you have sustain you during this difficult time. Hugs.❤️ Tracy
So saddened to hear of Scott's passing. He was a really good guy and a wonderful teacher. Scott and i started teacher's college the same year and then both started at South Huron at the same time too. He was always on top of "his game" as a teacher and as a coach. One can't help but feel he was dealt an unfair hand health wise but he sure won the lottery with his beloved family. We are so sorry for your loss.
Always loved our little inside joke that stemmed from the time he caught me picking my nose in church. Up until the last time we ran into each other, he put a knuckle up to his nose to imitate a pick! Thinking of you all!
A donation has been made to Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario. Message from the donator: Our sincere condolences to your entire family. May your wonderful memories and lessons learned from Scott, bring you peace. Sincerely, Randy and Mary Jane
Our sincere condolences to Denise and family. We enjoyed many conversations and laughs with Scott while doing yard work as neighbours in Grand Bend. Rest in peace.
We would like to send our deepest condolences to Denise and family,on your loss. Susan Henry
I was so saddened to hear of Scott’s passing. My deepest sympathy to you all. I remember your whole family so fondly from my days of babysitting. Your dad was always so kind to me and I remember him being such a kind and thoughtful father and husband. I hope all the wonderful memories you created with him through the years bring you joy in this time of loss.
My deepest sympathy. Mr. Halpenny was one of the few teachers that stay in your memory as a great teacher.
My deepest sympathies to Denise, and Scott’s family. I knew Scott from a summer job at Point Farms Provincial Park. He and his buddy made quite an impression on two high schoolers. What a great summer we had, oh the tricks they liked to play on us. RIP Scott.💙
I’m saddened to hear of Scott’s passing. I was a former Student of his. I still remember having a conversation about my future after school. He was a great teacher and wonderful person. My condolences to family and friends.
Thank you for making me love Science, you were one of those teachers, who changed the direction of many kids.
Dear Denise, Kendra, Reid, and Bryce, and your entire family. I am so sorry to hear of Scott's passing, you have my sincere condolences. I met Scott when I started at SHDHS in November of 1988 - I had come south from teaching in the NWT, and we compared our experiences as he had been in Norway House in Manitoba. Scott was a great teacher, well liked by his students, and well respected by his colleagues. I have happy memories of staff parties at the Halpenny residence, and participating in various skits for Christmas and the year end. I also remember golfing at the year end staff party with Scott, paired up with Tracy and Heather - we were definitely not the most adept golfers, but Scott had a wonderful sense of humour and was very encouraging, which made for a lot of fun. I hope that happy memories, and the love and support of family and friends will help you during this sad time. Scott was a fine man, and he will be missed
Halpenny Family I am so sorry to hear about Mr Halpenny (Scott). He was one of my teachers at South Huron District High School. He was a great person and a great teacher and will be missed. Thinking of all of his family at this sad time.
A donation has been made to Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario. Message from the donator: Tyler and I are so saddened to hear about Scott’s passing. He was truly a kind, good man and was always a hoot to be around. Scott and Denise, you have done an amazing job raising your children and we have had the honour of being a part of Kendra’s journey for 15+ years. You are all in our thoughts. Hugs and kisses.
A donation has been made to Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario. Message from the donator: Mr. Halpeny was certainly a special guy. My heart is with the entire family at this sorrowful time. Big hugs.
A donation has been made to Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario. Message from the donator: Grateful for a lifetime of friendship & memories and a mountain full of laughter. Going to miss him every day. Robby
A donation has been made to Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario. Message from the donator: In honour of your father Bryce. You shared with us many times what a wonderful Dad he was, I'm so sorry we never got to meet him. Janet & Rob.
Denise we are deeply sadden by this news. While its been a number of years since we left Grand Bend we often think with fond memories of our group card nights. So much laughter and comaraderie with our wonderful neighbours. Scott was such an amazing man always a smile, and so dedicated to his family and his teaching. He will be deeply missed. With deepest sympathy John & Pat
Dear Kendra and family…..I am thinking of all of you…I will send you strength and courage…the journey is challenging…please remember all your family and friends love and care for you dearly. Hugs to all of you Deb & Steve Overholt
We extend our sincere sympathy to you and your family, Denise. We have many fond memories of Scott and his engaging, fun loving disposition.
When we moved next door to the Halpenny family at Rivers Blvd 31 years ago we had the pleasure of meeting Scott, Denise, Kendra, Reid & Bryce. Always kind, friendly and welcoming, it was a pleasure to get to know the whole family. Scott was a great guy, a great teacher and a great neighbour. He will be missed and know that he made a great impact on so many. Our thoughts are with all of you.
Sincere condolences Denise, and to all of your family. Scott will forever be remembered to me as a remarkable coach, a friend, and for his genuine kindness.
I just heard of Scott’s passing It is shocking One of the greatest guys I have ever met. I was fortunate to spend many good times with Scott and his wonderful family. My condolences to Denise and her family.
My deepest condolences to his family. Mr Halpenny will be greatly missed. He was a not only a fantastic teacher & coach, but also a great mentor and friend. I’m grateful to have known him.
Mr. Halpenny was my volleyball coach for many years. We were so fortunate to have had such a patient man to wrangle a gaggle of teenaged girls. I am thankful to have known him. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. May you find comfort in each other and know that he was appreciated and loved by so many.
I had the pleasure of having Mr. Halpenny as my PE teacher for two years in high school. He was someone to look up to and a wonderful teacher. Thinking of the entire Halpenny family during this difficult time.
My deepest condolences to Denise and family. I had the good fortune of being in Scott's English class the year he started at SHDHS. He was a terrific teacher, and certainly the most handsome at the school! I got to know him and Denise better years later as my parents joined their circle of friends. It was sad that a vital person like Scott was afflicted with this cruel disease, at the same time that Denise had her own health challenges. You are all in my thoughts. And may Scott rest in peace. Leslie.
Sincere condolences to Denise, Kendra, Reid & Bryce and families at this sad time, as you have lost such a wonderful member of your family. Scott was truly a great person, colleague, teacher and coach who had very positive effects on many people - a legacy to be very proud of and will not be forgotten !
I had the pleasure of meeting Scott through Volleyball at South Huron. He was a wonderful skilled coach and a fine influence as a “ good man”. My two sons, Jake and Jesse, were coached and influenced by Scott. Scott was a significant contributor to their development. My condolences to the family. Much respect. Brian Morrice
Thoughts with all the extended Halpenny’s. Scott was a great man and I’ll always remember him tell his high school tales while socializing at the grand bend house
My condolences and love go out to Denise, Kendra, Reid, Bryce and family at this very sad time. Scott had a warmth and positive attitude that affected everyone around him. He will be sorely missed.
Scott was very blessed to have such a loving beautiful family. Everyone who knew Scott and your family feels a depth of sadness for your loss.
Denise, Kendra, Reid, Bryce and families: Our deepest condolences on Scott’s passing. We had a lot of great times together over the years on the bball court, the golf course, the Legion etc, as well as solving the worlds problems over informal PE staff meetings in the equipment room. Scott was an excellent teacher/coach who always had his students best interests at heart and he could always be counted on to do things “the right way”. An excellent example for all to follow. Thanks Scott! Terry and Jean O’Rourke & family
Our sincere condolences to Denise, Kendra, Reid & Bryce. Scott was a wonderful teacher and friend. He will be greatly missed by all those around him. Our hearts go out to his family at this time of great loss. Carey & Sherwood Eddy
Very sorry to hear of Scott’s passing. Condolences to Denise and family
To Denise and family Sorry to learn of Scott’s passing. Our condolences to all his family and friends.
My sincere condolences to Denise and the entire family at this time. Scott was such an influence as a teacher, coach and friend to me. May all of your amazing memories help you through this difficult time.
Our sympathies to Denise and family. Scott was a great guy. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Diane and Joe Darling
Mr. Halfpenny was a wonderful person. He was a new teacher at SHDHS and restarted the volleyball program with Mr. Jankowski. I have so many fond memories of practices and hearing Blue Rodeo’s first album ringing out. He was such a patient, and kind man that strove to bring out the best in you. One of the best coaches I’ve ever had. You will be missed. My deepest condolences to the entire family.
Denise and family.... My heart sends deepest condolences for your profound loss....
Dear Denise, Kendra, Bryce & Reid…We are so very sorry for your family’s loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Scott was a very good man and will be missed. ❤️
Dear, Denise, Kendra, Reid, and Bryce. We are so very sad to hear of Scott's passing. I have fond memories of working with Scott at SHDHS and being neighbours on Rivers Boulevard for a time. Please know that our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. Stacey and Todd Park
Denise, Kendra, Reid and Bryce, Thinking of you at this most difficult time. Scott was a wonderful husband and father and will be remembered fondly by all those who knew him. Take care. Paul and Beth
My deepest sympathy to all of Scott's family. I have many fond memories of working with Scott at SHDHS. He will be missed by so many. Hugs... Denise
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Denise, Kendra, Reid, Bryce, and family. I am truly sorry for your loss of Scott. He sure loved his family and was very proud of your accomplishments. He was a great friend and fellow teacher and coach. We had many chats about sports and our families. He was a very kind and gentle human being and I never heard him saying a bad word about anyone.
~ Jim Workman