Dean Owen Barkman-Schneider

Obituary

It is with crushed hearts that we share the passing of our beloved son and brother, Dean. Dean left us tragically after an accident on August 31, 2025. As hard as it is to reconcile, Dean died doing one of his favourite activities, dirt biking. He loved exploring on his bike and the day he left us, he had big plans and his snack ready and waiting for him when he returned.

Dean was born February 28, 2010, to proud parents Sacha and David Barkman-Schneider and loving sisters. Our pride in Dean never ceased as he grew from a little boy with a sparkle in his eye to a deeply caring young man who became a dear friend to many. Dean lit up a room when he entered and gave the most wonderful hugs.

Dean was a student at the SRSS and was looking forward to starting his high school major in Automotive Systems, adding to all the skills he had already developed working on the farm. He was passionate about playing football with the Sabres and enjoyed any opportunity to be part of the team, living the “Be Better” motto the Sabres program promotes. Dean dreamed of taking football to the next level and was ready to put in the work to get him there.

Outside of school, Dean was a creative young man who enjoyed spending time with friends, camping with family and farming at the family farm near Ste. Anne. Any chance he had to explore nature or spend time at the family farm was a great day and time he cherished. Dean was becoming a gifted trades person and was eager to develop skills at any opportunity, his interests ran from hunting to welding to anything mechanical. He was excited to increase his knowledge and skill in butchering and never missed an opportunity to learn from people. In doing this he endeared himself to many by his willingness to learn, always deepening relationships in the process.

Dean saw people. He showed his love through taking his mom up on all her many crazy adventures. He was excited to tag along and enjoyed every adventure. He and his Dad had no end to the projects they were planning, and all the things they were going to buy from princess auto. Dean was his own person, with his own style, this confidence encouraged friends and classmates to feel comfortable around him.

Dean was deeply loved by his extended family. He had time for each one of his cousins and memories will continue for the decades to come. We will miss and remember him at every family milestone. Dean himself dreamed and talked about the day he would be the cool uncle. Family was important to Dean and as much as he was a little brother, as he grew (much bigger than his big sisters) his sisters knew he had their backs. He was always willing to help out on the farm with bales, shoveling and seeding. His willingness to help but mostly his presence and smile will be painfully missed.

Dean is survived by Mom (Sacha), Dad (Dave), Sisters, Keira and Kayla and many more family. He was pre-deceased by his Opa (Walter Schneider), and Grandpa (Ron Barkman).

We would like to thank those who were first on scene with Dean. We are grateful for your quick and immediate response.

An evening gathering will be held on Thursday 6:30 pm at Grace Mennonite for those who knew Dean personally and want to come and share their memories with family and friends.

Funeral will be held on Friday September 12, 2025 at 11:00 am at Grace Mennonite Church in Steinbach.