The loving wife and children of Martin P. Barkman bid him their final good-byes at the Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach. He quietly fell asleep at the early dawning, Friday October 3, 2008. His sudden passing was the result of pneumonia and complications of Parkinson’s. He was born to John J. and Anna Penner Barkman on July 22, 1919 at Steinbach. Father grew to manhood in the area. He was converted and baptized October 28, 1938 by Minister Harvey Fricke and became a member of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite at Greenland, Manitoba. After a reconsecration experience, which was very precious to him, he married the girl he loved, Selma Toews, on December 15, 1940. God gave them more than 67 beautiful years together. From the spring of 1942 to 1945 he served in various alternative service posts in Western Canada. In July of 1945 the young family moved to Whitemouth, Manitoba as one of the pioneers of the new congregation. On the farm ‘by the river’ they raised their family of four sons and three daughters. Father provided a living with carpentry and mixed farming. As children we remember a contented and happy life, learning of life’s values rather than an abundance of earthly goods. On June 7, 1948 he was ordained to the gospel ministry by Minister Jacob Wiebe. He found a mentor, Jacob F. Barkman and later, John M. Penner, in his duties to the fledgling congregation. The congregation grew and so also did his calling to the Church at large. His life’s work centered on the Bride of Christ, the Church. This included times spent in various congregations. In the fall of 1979 they joined the congregation at Bredenbury, Saskatchewan and made this their home for the next twenty five years. After their youngest sons married, Dad and Mom enjoyed a time of service away from home, starting with the outpatient home and pastoring the congregation at Carrot River, Saskatchewan. Next they enjoyed the challenge of two years as missionaries to Schloss Holte, Germany. Dad loved to travel and we all, even the grandchildren, recall enjoyable trips together. In the fall of 2004, with their health declining, Dad and Mom made the move to the self-care suite at Maplewood Manor, Steinbach. Here they enjoyed the fellowship of their peers, brothers and sisters and friends. The last two years they have been lovingly tended to by the staff of the care home, for which the family is very grateful. And also we say thank you to the Steinbach congregation for their benevolence. Our father shared Spiritual guidance, encouragement and prayers throughout our lives. He took a personal interest in each grandchild and they in turn loved him dearly. Lovingly remembered by his wife, Selma, and leading the way for us, his children: Denton and June of Cartwright, Manitoba, Ann and Roland Warkentin of Willows, California, Ken and Marlis of Cartwright, Manitoba, Carol and David Friesen of Roblin, Manitoba, Irene and Burt Friesen of Saltcoats, Saskatchewan, Don and Charlene of Bredenbury, Saskatchewan, Garry and Bonnie of Creston, British Columbia, his 36 grandchildren and 82 great grandchildren. Also surviving are one sister, Mary and Stanley Giesbrecht and one brother, Stanley and Alice. He will also be missed by special friends of the family, Dorothy and Leanna Friesen and many other relatives and friends. His parents, two brothers and one grandchild predeceased him. Viewing will be at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Dr, Steinbach on Monday, October 6 at 7:30 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, October 7 at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of God in Christ Mennonite, Greenland with interment to follow at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach.