Menno Pennink MD

Menno Pennink ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home on Mar. 15, 2026.Dr. Menno Pennink, a retired neurosurgeon, visionary developer, devoted husband, father, and pillar of the Fayetteville community, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and compassionate medical care at the age of 90 on March 14, 2026.Dr. Pennink's life was a remarkable journey defined by persistence, brilliance, and service. Having endured the hardships of wartime Indonesia in his youth, he carried those experiences with strength and determination, shaping the extraordinary life that followed. Through perseverance and intellect, he went on to build a distinguished career in medicine as a neurosurgeon and radiologist, touching countless lives with his skill and dedication.In addition to his surgical work, Dr. Pennink played an important role in advancing medical technology in the region. In the late 1970s, he was instrumental in bringing the first CT and MRI imaging technology to hospitals in Cumberland and Moore counties. He was of the founders of Fayetteville Neurodiagnostic Inc. and Carolina Imaging, organizations that significantly improved patient care across the region. He was also one of the founders of the CARE Clinic in Fayetteville, North Carolina, helping expand access to medical care for those in need within the community.Dr. Pennink's impact extended far beyond the walls of the hospital. After retiring from medicine, he turned his focus toward a new mission: the revival of downtown Fayetteville, North Carolina. In the early 1990s, when the city's historic center was struggling, Dr. Pennink saw possibility where others saw decline. Beginning in 1992, he spearheaded a movement that would transform Hay Street and surrounding blocks into the vibrant residential and commercial district it is today.Dr. Pennink once famously referred to downtown Fayetteville as his "only patient left," saying it had been on "life support" when he began his work there. Through his passion and persistence, he helped nurse the district back to life, leaving an enduring mark on the city he loved so fiercely. Among his most notable projects was the restoration of the historic Prince Charles Hotel. He also led the development of the 300 Hay Street project, creating residential condos and commercial space that drew new energy into the city's core. Over the years, he renovated numerous other properties, including the Pemberton Building, the McKethan Building, and the Point News Building, each effort contributing to the renaissance of Downtown Fayetteville.In recognition of his many contributions to the community and the state of North Carolina, he was inducted into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in June 2015, one of the state's highest civilian honors. He was also honored with the CityView Downtown Visionaries Award in 2022 for his lifelong dedication to the revitalization of Fayetteville's downtown district. He also helped to develop one of Fayetteville's most premier neighborhoods, Windwood-on-Skye.Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Pennink was a true Renaissance man. He was a gifted violinist and an active member of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, where he shared his deep love of music with the community. He also held numerous chamber music soirées at The Capitol Room on Person street that featured many local musicians. He was passionate about the arts and a strong supporter of the Fayetteville Museum of Art, believing that culture and creativity were essential to the vitality of the city he cherished.Dr. Pennink also had a deep appreciation for intellectual pursuits and friendly competition. He was an avid chess and Scrabble player, known among family and friends for both his strategic mind and his love of a good challenge.Above all, Menno was devoted to his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Suzanne Pennink, and his children: Bastiaan Pennink (Nichole), Yolanda Reseigne, Kevin McLemore, Julie Turlington (Paul), Lily Pennink (Ken), Michael Pennink (Amber), and Andrew Pennink (Tiffany), as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will carry forward his legacy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Johan Pennink and Francoise Van Senden, siblings Willie Douwes, John Pennink, and Hans Pennink and stepson, David "Bee" Barlow.A celebration of life will be held at 4:00 P.M. on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at Cape Fear Botanical Garden in Fayetteville.In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra or the Cool Spring Downtown District, organizations that reflect Menno's love for both music and the continued vitality of the city he helped transform.Dr. Menno Pennink's life was a story of courage, intellect, vision, and love-a story that will continue to inspire Fayetteville and all who knew him.Online condolences may be left at http://www.jerniganwarren.comArrangements by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsy St., Fayetteville, NC 28301To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Menno Pennink, MD, please visit our floral store.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.