Sydney Lewis Penhorwood was born on January 6, 1872 in Swansee, Wales. His family immigrated to Canada between 1882 and 1884, settling near Stratford, Ontario. After graduating from the Royal College of Artillery in Kingston (now the Royal Military College) in 1894, Penhorwood moved to Sault Ste. Marie where he worked as an engineer with the Soo Dredging Company.

Penhorwood was actively involved with the local militia in Sault Ste. Marie, and was named Lieuentant Colonel of the 51st Soo Rifles when it was formed in 1913.

Penhorwood was posted overseas in 1915, and appointed Assistant Director of Timber Operations for the Canadian Forestry Battalion in Great Britain. In 1919, Penhorwood was promoted to Colonel. Colonel Penhorwood was stationed at the Windsor Great Park, the estate surrounding Windsor Castle.

An unexpected interview with King George V began a frienship between the two men that lasted until his return to Canada. The King offered Penhorwood the use of the plush "Virginia Water Cottage", which was the King's fishing lodge. Penhorwood was also asked to dine with the royal family on numerous occasions.

For his services during the war, Colonel Penhorwood was appointed a Member of the Royal Victorian Order, and a Member of the Order of the British Empire. For his long service as an officer he also received the Volunteer Decoration.

Penhorwood retured to Sault Ste. Marie in 1919 where he remained active in the local regiment. The Royal Family remembered Penhorwood, and in 1939 King George VI requested to meet Penhorwood during his stop in Sudbury. He was also presented to Queen Elizabeth II during her stop in Sault Ste. Marie in 1959. Penhorwood, often referred to as the Sault's "Grand Old Man", died March 30, 961.