The deaths of Terance Naytowhow (left) and Damien Penner (right) have been deemed suspicious in nature. (Facebook)

By Nigel Maxwell

Tragic events

Friends and family mourn two men found dead in vehicle

Nov 29, 2021 | 4:45 PM

One of two men found dead inside an abandoned vehicle Thursday night southwest of Meath Park, is being remembered as a passionate sports fan, but above all, a loving father who would do anything for his children.

Terance “Shayne” Naytowhow, 34, was from Montreal Lake Cree Nation. His uncle Jason Ballantyne told paNOW he was feeling shocked and surprised when he heard the news.

“It wasn’t what I expected; it wasn’t what anybody in the family expected or even the community would have expected,” he said.

Last Thursday evening, police were called to the area west of Meath Park, to investigate a suspicious vehicle – a silver 2019 Volkswagon Atlas SUV. It’s there they found the bodies of Naytowhow and 19-year-old Damien Penner. Both deaths have been deemed suspicious in nature.

Ballantyne said his nephew was very well-liked by everyone he knew and was the type of person who was there to help family. Up until recently, Naytowhow was working in security in the community but due to COVID-19 related layoffs, was currently in the process of looking for some new work so he could provide his five children with a good Christmas.

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“He was very loyal and he loved his kids … he loved cooking for his kids,” Ballantyne said.

A picture taken of Naytowhow in 2009. (Submitted/ Bobbi Lee Halkett)

Ballantyne said his nephew may have been the #1 OIlers fan. (Facebook/ Bobbi Lee Halkett)

A woman who used to work with Naytowhow posted to social media that he was one of their best workers, and was a “happy, jolly guy” who made everyone smile. Those words were echoed by Naytowhow’s fiance Skye Bird, who also posted an emotional statement to social media.

“I’m gonna miss every moment spent with you. I never thought I’d lose you and not be able to talk and tell stories and joke around. I’m feeling more lost than ever,” she said.

Bird also shared with paNOW that Naytowhow treated her two boys as his own.

“He always welcomed me with open arms….never turned me away,” she said.

Shayne and Skye. (Submitted/ Skye Bird)

Meanwhile Damien Penner has been described on social media as a good person when he was in a good mood, but who had “lost his way.”

Through her social media page, Penner’s mother thanked everyone for their support.

“I want one more hug, to make one more omelette – but please pray for my babies, they are missing their little brother and their big uncle,” she wrote.

There’s been connections drawn with Penner to gangs, with one family member asking on the wake service announcement, for people to leave their bandanas and flags at home. Rachel Cote told paNOW her younger brother was a very loving person and had a bright future until friends and influence took over.

“After that he lived a hard life,” she said. “He was a sweet genuine kid who had a beautiful life … one that didn’t deserve to be taken.”

Cote went on to explain her brother wasn’t a flag or a heartless, careless person.

“He loved so deeply he acted in fear which kept him stuck with that ugly ugly gang life. We did our best to help him get out,” she said.

Cote says her brother was an amazing track athlete. (Submitted/ Rachel Cote)

The wake and funeral services for both men have been scheduled for this week at Montreal Lake Cree Nation.

The RCMP confirmed Monday they are continuing to look for anyone who may have information on the vehicle and the two men on Nov. 25 or in the days leading up. There’s been no arrests. Anyone with information can call their local police service or Crime Stoppers.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell