Frank G. Barkman

Obituary

Frank G. Barkman was born to Peter J. and Lena Barkman on November 15, 1923 at Ste. Anne, Manitoba.

The family was by his side when Dad peacefully went Home to be with Jesus at sunset on April 3, 2019 at Maplewood Manor. He suffered a stroke two days prior. We are thankful for the 95 good years God gave him.

Dad grew up on the family farm in Greenland, Manitoba. He accepted Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ May 26, l940. Church attendance was important to Dad and being on time. He loved the Lord and embraced this faith to the end.

During World War 11 Dad was a Conscientious Objector and spent some time in a lumber camp in Armstrong, Ontario. He could tell us stories of the hardships they endured there.

He found the love of his life in Irene Penner and they joined hands in marriage September 23, l950. They enjoyed 68 years together and Dad was a devoted caring husband. Four daughters were born to them. Dad loved people and enjoyed meeting old friends and making new ones. They graciously welcomed many guests to their home. Singing was something Dad loved-singing with us girls, in quartets, and serving as song leader.

Travelling was one of Dad’s loves. Nigeria, Europe, Alaska, and a bus trip to the east coast on their 50th Anniversary are some highlights. We have many fond memories of family holidays and picnics. Dad was an avid fisherman. Folks also enjoyed their times of voluntary service in Edmonton, Navajoland, and also various boards here at home.

Dad worked hard to provide for us with carpentry being his first career and next owning Mid Town Furniture.

Dad experienced some tragedies when he witnessed his mother on fire, which took her life, and some years later his dear brother Art was taken in a farming accident.

They lived in Steinbach all their life. In the last year we moved our parents to Maplewood Manor and Dad enjoyed the care and activities there. A common sight when coming in the front door was Mom and Dad playing crokinole.

Treasuring fond memories are his wife Irene, his daughters; Laurie and Rob Toews, Lucille and Wes Wiebe, Steinbach, MB, Cheryl and Galen Penner, Elaine and Owen Toews, Linden, Alberta, nine grandchildren; Tim, Heather and Jeff, Andrew and Jennifer, Kristel and Robb, Kaitlyn and Jonathan, Jeremy and Kendalyn, Brandon and Danielle,Lindsay, Chyanne, 8 great grandchildren: Annabelle, Aysia, Caleb, Emerson, Graeme, Nora, Leo and Jacob. Three brothers Leonard and Nancy, Louis and Kitty, Peter, two sisters; Gladys and Roy, Joyce, sisters-in-law Ethel and Jean. Also in-laws Erwin and Caroll and Eric and Bev.

Gone before are his father, mother and step mother, three brothers, one brother-in-law, two sisters-in-law and great-granddaughter Gracie.

We as a family would like to express our gratefulness for the compassionate care he received at Maplewood Manor.

Viewing will be held Sunday, April 7, 2019 at 7:00 p.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.

The funeral will be held Monday, April 8, 2019, at 10:30 a.m., at the Church of God in Christ – Mennonite, 280 Loewen Blvd, Steinbach, MB., with interment to follow at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach, MB.