My husband, our father, and grandfather was born on Oct. 5, 1890, to John G. and Margaret Barkman, at Steinbach, Manitoba, and passed on to his reward on March 18, 1969 in the Bethesda Hospital at Steinbach. He reached the age of 78 years, 6 months and 13 days.
He grew up and lived in this district most of his life, and was engaged in farming. He felt the need of a Saviour and upon repentance and confession of faith, he was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, at the age of 19 years.
On March 21, 1913 he was united in marriage to Anna Goossen. They had three sons: Harold, Bernard and Dan, of whom the latter two are here today. On August 11, 1920, his companion was taken from his side through death, after sharing joys and sorrows for seven years. His eldest son, Harold, was born July 29, 1914, predeceased him May 2, 1955 at the age of 41 years, leaving a widow with four children, who are here today.
On Dec. 5, 1920 he was married to me, Agnes Toews. We had four daughters and one son: Elda, Martha, Vincent, Mary Ann and Lou Ann, of whom all are here today except baby Lou Ann, who died June 7, 1931. We shared joys and sorrows for 48 years. Father struggled hard to provide for his family through the early years. In 1947 he was stricken with a heart condition, which left him unable to do hard work. This was a great trial to him. In 1956 we moved to Steinbach, where we have resided since.
In his better days father was active in church activities and was always willing to give a helping hand. His Christian witness was one of love for his fellowmen. He was a very kind and warm hearted father. He enjoyed the beauty of nature and spent much time in his garden.
Father was not without trials and temptations during his sojourn here, and often expressed himself as being undone. But he always felt thankful toward God for His longsuffering and patience that God showed to him. Through the last year, father's health was failing. In December he was hospitalized for a lengthy period with his cardiac condition and it became obvious that it was the "evening of life's day." The shadows were lengthening and the evening sun was sinking low. During the last days, he expressed a desire to be relieved of his suffering and to be with the Lord, yet being resigned to God's way. On March 17, 1969 he was taken to the hospital, where he peacefully fell asleep at 2:30 in the morning of March 18, 1969.
He leaves to mourn me, his bereaved wife, Agnes; and the children, Mrs. Frances Barkman of Clearsprings; Bernard and Eva Barkman of Abbotsford, B.C.; Dan and Gladys Barkman of Clearsprings; Elda Barkman of Steinbach; Martha and Lloyd Wohlgemuth of Clearsprings; Vincent and Elma Barkman of Salmon Arm, B.C.; Mary Ann and Stanley Bartel of Clearbrook, B.C.; and Peter F. Barkman of Steinbach; 4 sisters, Margaret (Mrs. P. I. Reimer) of Ste Anne; Mary (Mrs. P. B. Froese) of Steinbach; Elizabeth (Mrs. John Bartel) of Clearsprings; and Annie (Mrs. Wiebe) of Mt. Lehman, B.C.
We commit him into God's care with faith and hope to meet him on the resurrection morning.
--The Family

Funeral services were held on March 22, 1969 at Steinbach in the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. Opening remarks and prayer were brought by Min. Alfred Barkman. Min. Clifford Mastre brought the message, based on Num. 23:10b; Rev. 14:13; James 4:15. Min. Herbert Barkman closed with thoughts on 1 Pet. 1:3-8.
Graveside service was conducted by Min. Ronald Wiebe.