In Memory of Herman Penland

In Memory of Herman Penland

March 13, 1932 – January 18, 2013

Tomorrow, Saturday 18th, will complete one year that an active member of the San Pedro Foundation,  Mr. Herman Penland, passed away.

Mr. Herman Penland was born in Des Moines, Iowa USA to Eva and Robert Penland. He had two brothers. Herm’s adventurous spirit took him to California at the age of 16 where he joined the Navy and later met his wonderful wife Linda in college in 1958. They married in 1962.

In 1972 Herman moved the family to Karachi, Pakistan and that began their international life. After five years in Pakistan, the family moved to La Paz, Bolivia where he was the director of The American School for twenty years. After visiting Ambergris Caye for the first time in 1995, they fell in love with the island, purchased their first piece of property and immediately made plans to retire here. Two weeks into retirement in a hammock, Herman decided it was time to find a hobby on the island. He still felt he had more to accomplish in life and decided to purchase Southwind Properties. From real estate sales, Herman’s interest grew into development and he started working on plans for Belizean Shores Resort. In 2000 his son Doug moved to Belize to help Herman carry out his vision and dreams. After the success of Belizean Shores, Herman and Doug moved onto developing Belizean Cove Estates and Coco Beach Resort. Even at the age of 80 Herman was actively involved in planning the development of their current project, Venezia Del Caribe.

Mr. Penland was an active member of the San Pedro Foundation since January of 1999, serving as the president of the foundation. He led the foundation as president for at least 14 years. As President of the SPF, he was tireless in working to advance education opportunities in San Pedro. The board relies heavily on his years of experience in education.

Family was the first priority in Herman’s life. Herman is survived by his wife Linda Penland, his five children, Marcee, Pamela, Doug, Christi, and Katalina and three grandchildren Jake, Cole, and Jonathon.

Reference: http://www.sanpedrosun.com/community-and-society/2013/01/24/celebrating-the-life-of-herman-penland/