Elmer Barkman

Obituary

Elmer Barkman – Dad, husband, older brother, friend to so many – stepped into heaven on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Bethesda Regional Health Centre, after a three-week stay in the hospital due to a stroke.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Doris; his son Garry (Cynthia) of Spokane, WA; his daughters Wanda (Bret) of Sharon, ON; Brenda of Steinbach, MB; Fern (Alan) of Zealand, NB; Donna of Winnipeg, MB; and grandchildren Carissa, Keith, David, Margaret, Jayme, Kevin, Kaleb, Shandi, Shadi, and Leif. He is predeceased by his first wife Tina and great-grandson Ian.

Dad hardly knew a stranger and we imagine his conversations in heaven ongoing. He loved people. And ice-cream, and chocolate pudding, and stealing his loved ones’ desserts. Most of all, Dad loved his Heavenly Father. Dad loved God’s grace. He knew he needed it. In his teens, Dad placed his trust in Jesus Christ, an answer to his mom’s faithful prayers for her eldest son. And as a young father, when struggles to measure up darkened his horizon, Dad’s appreciation for grace deepened. Mom’s desperate prayers for her sweetheart and the Holy Spirit’s faithful working in hard places brought Dad into a renewed understanding of his Saviour’s greatness. He came to realize in a deeper way that Jesus had truly paid it all, that he could rest in the strong arms of his Saviour, that he could run to Him for forgiveness when needed, that he was free to live with energy and zeal because life did not depend on him but on Christ.

And live with energy is what Dad did. There were many places he dreamed of moving. Adventure was in his blood. He was a farmer, a missionary, a preacher, and a carpenter. He loved the land, he was energized by people, he loved talking about his God, and he loved working with wood. Dad was one of the hardest working men we kids have known.

Dad loved our mom and Dad loved his children. When Mom faced cancer surgery and Dad was worried about his sweetheart, he was made keenly aware of God’s comforting presence. When remembering that storm, Dad wrote, “He had taken us through the valley and brought us down to our knees, but when we were ready to stop and pay attention, He was there to pull back the curtains of heaven and let us see how much He really cares for us.” It is that Perfect Love that Dad is experiencing right now with perfect clarity. Joshua 1:9 was always a special verse to Dad: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” This verse captures Dad’s tenacious faith. In remembering and writing about our family’s first years on the mission field, Dad added this note, “Many times I have been encouraged when I have seen that my children believed this (verse) and trusted God to help them.” Dad knew where his Hope was found and he wanted us to stand on that same Solid Rock.

In October 1975, Mom and Dad left for Venezuela as missionaries. They included their children in that life-changing decision. It was a reflection of how Mom and Dad lived life together with their children. They were disciplers. Work and play were done side by side. They understood that life was meant to be lived together.

Dad and Mom were married on April 25th, 1959. Fifty-three years later, Mom stepped into heaven. She left such a big hole in our hearts and our homes. During that time, God filled Dad’s aching heart with His love over and over. One very significant way He did this was sending along another human angel to do life together with Dad. Doris Friesen and Dad were married in the summer of 2014. They had much in common – a love for all things Spanish, hearts to serve, a joy for travel, and an understanding of missionary life. Doris, you have been a heaven-sent gift to our family.

We all miss Dad. But our hope is built on nothing less that Jesus Christ and His righteousness. And so, with anticipation, we too are anxious for heaven when we will be able to thank Jesus face to face for His undeserved, incomprehensible saving grace.

The viewing will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., followed by the devotional at 7:30 p.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at Blumenort Community Church, Blumenort, MB.

The interment will take place at Blumenort Community Church Cemetery, Blumenort, MB.

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