Our dear wife, mother and grandmother was suddenly taken home to be with her Lord and Saviour the morning of October 5, 2010 at the age of 85. Avril was predeceased by her parents, Dietrich and Katharina Reimer, sister Anna Plett, and brother-in-law Art Edel. Her husband Harvey Barkman, and their three children, are left to celebrate her life and homegoing: Sandra and Lorin Ensz of Wichita, KS, Gerald Barkman of Steinbach, MB, and Lowell and Trudy Barkman of Northwest River, Labrador and their families: Sean and Jessica Ensz of Oronogo, MO, Kirsten and Justin Eck of Liberty, MO; Jonathan and Dana Barkman of Kleefeld, MB, Adam and Ashley Barkman of Brantford, ON, Daniel Barkman, of Winnipeg, MB; Amber Barkman and Michael Barkman of Lorette, MB; four great-grandchildren, Addison and Aiden Barkman; and Heather and Tristan Barkman; as well as three sisters, Lavina (John) Plett of Landmark, MB; Myrtle (Melvin) Reimer of Oak Lake, MB; and Irma (Art) Edel of Maple Ridge, BC; two brothers, Ralph (Mildred) Reimer and Sidney (Corinne) Reimer; and brother-in-law Henry (Mary) Plett, all of Landmark, MB. Avril (Evril) was raised on a farm near Linden, MB, where she loved to work with the animals and be outdoors. She also loved to participate in athletics, community events and her church. Early on, she committed her life to Christ and sought to serve and please her heavenly Father wherever He led. She married Harvey Barkman on June 10, 1945, and together they worked, studied, taught, traveled, and raised their family on three continents. They ministered in small local churches from Manitoba to the Congo to Mexico, telling people about Jesus and serving and counseling. Along the way she made new friends everywhere, and cherished relationships with family and old friends for life. Every day, she prayed for these dear ones. Although circumstances and health were sometimes difficult, she was joyful and fully participated in life until the morning the Lord took her home. Friends of Avril Barkman are invited to join the family Friday evening, October 8, at Prairie Grove Fellowship Chapel in Lorette, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. for an informal time of reminiscing and fellowship. The celebration of her life will be held Saturday, October 9, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. at the Prairie Rose EMC Church in Landmark, with lunch to follow. Interment at the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to Hope for Congo – a water well project.