Obituary for Abram R. Barkman
Abram Barkman
June 16, 1938 - March 26, 2023
After an extended, courageous battle with cancer, on Sunday, March 26, 2023, Abram Barkman went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was 84 years old.
Abe will be lovingly remembered by Mary, his wife of fifty-five years; son Raynald (Melanie) and grandchildren Kealan, Liam, and Aleksandar; son Barry (Jolene) and grandchildren Jared (Samantha), Mackenzie, Zachary, and Kaden; daughter Lori (Karl) and grandchildren Ainsley and Brittney; daughter Lynn (Kevin) and grandchildren Jordan and Eleah; as well as siblings Frank (Helen), Kathy (Peter), Trudy, Tina and Herman, Ed (Helen), Paul, Henry (Lorna), Betty (Glenn), Burt and many nieces, nephews, friends, and relatives. Abe was predeceased by his parents Peter and Gertrude and stepmother Anna; parents-in-law Peter and Neta and step-mother-in-law Helen; numerous siblings; and his daughter-in-law Deborah.
On June 16, 1938, Abe became the fifth of nine children born to Peter and Gertrude Barkman. As was common in those days, Abe was born at his parents’ home, located in Blumenort, Manitoba. On March 15,1945, this precious family gained a healthy baby boy but lost their dear mother in the process, a loss that undoubtedly shaped the life of Abe’s family. On January 1, 1946, Abe’s father married Anna Weibe, who would by default become the mother of nine. Two more daughters were born to this newly established couple. In 1952, Abe's family moved from Blumenort to a rural area north of Riverton, Manitoba where they pioneered a new farmstead. Abe's love for farming and forestry started during those years and continued throughout his life. Through his teens and early adult years, Abe worked numerous forestry jobs during winter months and at home on the farm in summer. In his twenties, Abe took on some construction jobs helping with the construction of the Mennville school along with the Riverton Elementary school gymnasium. Abe also worked on the Shell Mouth River Dam project operating a bulldozer. Many stories focused on that memorable winter.
As much as Abe enjoyed and took pride in his work, he had a realization that there was more to this life. In 1957, Abe accepted Jesus as his Savior and Lord and was baptized upon his confession of faith. This season of spiritual awakening shaped Abe's life. Over the years his heart for the gospel saw him involved in Sunday school, VBS, choir, youth group, and the BCBC board. Abe also served on other church boards. Abe served on the local Manitoba Pool board and was the councilor for his ward in the LGD of Fisher from 1974-1980. Serving in the Fisher council was a highlight for Abe and lifelong friendships were developed.
On July 8, 1967, Abe married Mary Harms. Together they established a farm in the Washow Bay area where they resided into their retirement. Through the years Abe hired numerous nephews and other young people from the area. Lasting friendships were made through these hirings. In 2013, Abe sold the farm to his son but never walked away from being interested in its operation.
Although Abe didn't have many hobbies, he did enjoy watching wildlife. Over the years, he retold many stories of his observations with various animals and birds. In his later years, Abe cherished the many hours spent with his grandchildren. He found much enjoyment from their involvement in music, sports, adventures and studies.
In 2019, Abe was diagnosed with prostate cancer. This last year, Abe’s cancer journey has been hard, not unlike many others who have similar experiences. Abe looked forward to spending Christmas with his family and was blessed to be able to do so. He loved his family and extended family dearly. On January 1, Abe was taken to the hospital where he remained until his final breaths in the early hours of March 26. These long days were difficult, but had many meaningful times sprinkled in. We rejoice in Abe's salvation and his new, pain-free condition.
Abe's family would like to thank the hospital staff at Percy Moore Hospital for the care and love they showed during those initial two weeks. They would also like to thank the staff at the Arborg Hospital who displayed remarkable love and care to Abe primarily, but also for the love and care shown to Mary and family. You were patient, loving, kind and understanding. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
A public come and go viewing will take place Friday, March 31 from 7-8 pm at Friends Funeral Home in Winnipeg.
A private burial service will be held Saturday morning.
The Memorial service for Abe Barkman will take place at the Mennville EMC Saturday, April 1 at 2 pm. A light lunch, which all are invited to stay for, will take place at the Anchor of Hope Church which is located next to the Mennville EMC.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Abe’s memory to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.
June 16, 1938 - March 26, 2023
After an extended, courageous battle with cancer, on Sunday, March 26, 2023, Abram Barkman went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was 84 years old.
Abe will be lovingly remembered by Mary, his wife of fifty-five years; son Raynald (Melanie) and grandchildren Kealan, Liam, and Aleksandar; son Barry (Jolene) and grandchildren Jared (Samantha), Mackenzie, Zachary, and Kaden; daughter Lori (Karl) and grandchildren Ainsley and Brittney; daughter Lynn (Kevin) and grandchildren Jordan and Eleah; as well as siblings Frank (Helen), Kathy (Peter), Trudy, Tina and Herman, Ed (Helen), Paul, Henry (Lorna), Betty (Glenn), Burt and many nieces, nephews, friends, and relatives. Abe was predeceased by his parents Peter and Gertrude and stepmother Anna; parents-in-law Peter and Neta and step-mother-in-law Helen; numerous siblings; and his daughter-in-law Deborah.
On June 16, 1938, Abe became the fifth of nine children born to Peter and Gertrude Barkman. As was common in those days, Abe was born at his parents’ home, located in Blumenort, Manitoba. On March 15,1945, this precious family gained a healthy baby boy but lost their dear mother in the process, a loss that undoubtedly shaped the life of Abe’s family. On January 1, 1946, Abe’s father married Anna Weibe, who would by default become the mother of nine. Two more daughters were born to this newly established couple. In 1952, Abe's family moved from Blumenort to a rural area north of Riverton, Manitoba where they pioneered a new farmstead. Abe's love for farming and forestry started during those years and continued throughout his life. Through his teens and early adult years, Abe worked numerous forestry jobs during winter months and at home on the farm in summer. In his twenties, Abe took on some construction jobs helping with the construction of the Mennville school along with the Riverton Elementary school gymnasium. Abe also worked on the Shell Mouth River Dam project operating a bulldozer. Many stories focused on that memorable winter.
As much as Abe enjoyed and took pride in his work, he had a realization that there was more to this life. In 1957, Abe accepted Jesus as his Savior and Lord and was baptized upon his confession of faith. This season of spiritual awakening shaped Abe's life. Over the years his heart for the gospel saw him involved in Sunday school, VBS, choir, youth group, and the BCBC board. Abe also served on other church boards. Abe served on the local Manitoba Pool board and was the councilor for his ward in the LGD of Fisher from 1974-1980. Serving in the Fisher council was a highlight for Abe and lifelong friendships were developed.
On July 8, 1967, Abe married Mary Harms. Together they established a farm in the Washow Bay area where they resided into their retirement. Through the years Abe hired numerous nephews and other young people from the area. Lasting friendships were made through these hirings. In 2013, Abe sold the farm to his son but never walked away from being interested in its operation.
Although Abe didn't have many hobbies, he did enjoy watching wildlife. Over the years, he retold many stories of his observations with various animals and birds. In his later years, Abe cherished the many hours spent with his grandchildren. He found much enjoyment from their involvement in music, sports, adventures and studies.
In 2019, Abe was diagnosed with prostate cancer. This last year, Abe’s cancer journey has been hard, not unlike many others who have similar experiences. Abe looked forward to spending Christmas with his family and was blessed to be able to do so. He loved his family and extended family dearly. On January 1, Abe was taken to the hospital where he remained until his final breaths in the early hours of March 26. These long days were difficult, but had many meaningful times sprinkled in. We rejoice in Abe's salvation and his new, pain-free condition.
Abe's family would like to thank the hospital staff at Percy Moore Hospital for the care and love they showed during those initial two weeks. They would also like to thank the staff at the Arborg Hospital who displayed remarkable love and care to Abe primarily, but also for the love and care shown to Mary and family. You were patient, loving, kind and understanding. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
A public come and go viewing will take place Friday, March 31 from 7-8 pm at Friends Funeral Home in Winnipeg.
A private burial service will be held Saturday morning.
The Memorial service for Abe Barkman will take place at the Mennville EMC Saturday, April 1 at 2 pm. A light lunch, which all are invited to stay for, will take place at the Anchor of Hope Church which is located next to the Mennville EMC.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Abe’s memory to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.