Weston John Barkman

Weston John Barkman

1941 - 2020

Weston John Barkman was born June 30, 1941, to Ed and Rosella Barkman at Steinbach, Manitoba. He peacefully left for his eternal home, surrounded by his family at home in Swan River. He was 79 years of age.

Weston was the oldest of eleven children and grew up in the Greenland, Manitoba community. He got his formal education at North Greenland School. In 1953 he answered God’s call and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite. When he was sixteen his father was ordained into the ministry. He took the added responsibility of the farm and caring for his siblings seriously. They have many good memories of him babysitting. At twenty he started doing carpenter work for his uncle, making this his career for the next eight years.

As a young man Weston was reserved but Wilma May Giesbrecht won his heart. We joined hands in marriage August 28, 1964. We had a wonderful 56 years together. One daughter and three sons made our family complete. He shared his dreams of farming with me before we were married. In the spring of 1969, we followed our dream when we moved to the Swan River Valley. We were one of the first seven families to start this congregation. Starting to grain farm had its challenges and he added hogs and later a small flock of laying hens, grading and selling eggs from our house and delivering to restaurants in town. He also used his carpenter skills. These things made lifelong friends in the community. He worked hard to provide, and we appreciate his persistence.

People were important to him. His heart was giving and as God blessed his labours he gladly shared with those that needed financial help. He was particular and paid attention to detail. He also entertained many with his reminiscing and humerous stories. As he aged, he enjoyed reading history. Young children were won over with gum or his favourite candy. Grandchildren have precious memories of having coffee break with Grandpa.

Dad was a practical Christian and served others that way. God gave them the opportunity to open their home to several young men over the years. They enjoyed spending time at the Edmonton guest house.

He was diagnosed with a blood disease five years ago. As he looked at his life God gave him the assurance of His forgiveness and salvation. We look forward to meeting him on the other side.

Those left with fond memories are his loving wife Wilma; children, Wynelle and Weldon Isaac, Rosenort, Manitoba; Verlin and Lana, Swan River, Manitoba; Brenton and Denise, Creston, British Columbia; Bryan and Joni, Swan River Manitoba; fourteen grandchildren and one great grandchild. His siblings; Lois and Marvin Warkentin, Kathy and Howard Penner, Dennis and Carol Barkman, David and Karen Barkman, Darlene and Gordon Harris, Glenna and Les Giesbrecht, Galen and Char Barkman, Ruth and James Bartel, brother-in-law Stan Nikkel, sister-in-law Cindy and Darcy Isaac. In laws; Ron and Rose Giesbrecht, Lewis and Irma Giesbrecht, Loretta and Robert Warkentin, Glena and Wilbert Giesbrecht, Lucille and Don Penner; and Waneta Giesbrecht. Also, Bob and Tina Funk, Luke Funk and Mary Funk.

Gone before are his parents, one sister and one brother.

As a family we appreciate the patient and loving care he received from the Swan Valley Health Care staff.

A time of visitation and remembrance was held on Saturday, September 19, 2020 at the farm with burial in the Riverside-Harlington Cemetery. Further remembrance was held on Sunday, September 20, 2020 from Swan Valley Mennonite Church.

Swan Valley Funeral Services

363 Kelsey Trail, Swan River, Manitoba

204-734-5775  www.swanvalleyfuneralservices.com

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