He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” Psalm 91: 1,2 Peter H. Barkman, formerly of Blumenort and Steinbach, MB passed away at the Menno Home for the Aged in Grunthal, MB at the age of 79 years. Peter was born to Peter l & Helena Barkman January 21, 1928 in Morris, MB. Due to his father’s early death when he was 6 years old, his childhood was not easy. Peter grew up and was well accepted in the home of his uncle the John Barkmans. In the late forties this family along with other families decided to make a big move to Mexico. Here Peter worked hard to help establish a new community and home. Living in this new county, Mexico, brought with it new adventures and opportunities. He found the love of his life in Mary Kornelson and they were married December 9, 1951. He was glad to start his own home After a few years Peter and Mary moved back to Canada and settled in the Morris area. In 1960 they adopted baby Johnny. This gave them joy in parenting as well as great family time in camping, traveling and gardening. Peter’s employment took them to different places such as Riverton, Mennville, Morris and Dugald. Early on in life while working on a farm he experienced a heart attack and soon after had to undergo major heart surgery. His recovery was slow, with slight heart problems and limitations the rest of his life. Peter’s love and desire to follow the Lord and his Savior was evident in his reading the Bible in English and German whichever he could understand the best. Church attendance was very important to him. His passion was tapes, records, recording and listening to music. He also enjoyed his toy tractor collection and keeping his car shiny and clean. When work became too difficult for him, they moved to Blumenort and bought a nice little house. Peter tried some smaller jobs at that time. Some years later they were happy to move to Oakwood Place. When Mary required more help she was moved to Rest Haven Nursing Home. This resulted in many lonely hours for Peter. He was thankful he had a good car and could drive to visit Mary. Eventually a place opened to him at Woodhaven Manor so he could walk to see Mary. On the day of Mary’s funeral Peter took ill and was taken to Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach; then transferred to Winnipeg, where he was diagnosed as having had a heart attack. After 6 weeks, he was glad to go back to his home in Woodhaven, but not for long. He was taken to the Ste. Anne Hospital with more heart complications for a 9-month stay. In August 2007 a room was available for him at the Menno Home in Grunthal. This adjustment from hospital to the care home went well. He was content and well taken care of. He would say – the care is good, the food is good and he could sleep well. He continued to get weaker and slowly his organs began to fail and life was a struggle till the Lord took him to his eternal home in heaven on Sunday December 16. He was predeceased by his wife Mary in July 2006 and son Johnny in December 1991. He is survived by 2 sisters, Anne Derksen of Steinbach, Betty of Altona, 1 brother Martin and his family of Winkler. Thank you to the staff at the Ste. Anne Hospital and Menno Home who cared for and encouraged Peter. Thank you to all who prayer, cared and visited Peter. The funeral service for Peter will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel in Steinbach on Thursday, December 20 at 11:00 a.m. with viewing prior to the service. Interment to follow at the Blumenort EMC Cemetery.