Allan Barkman was born to Jacob J. and Anna Toews Barkman on May 14, 1926 at their farm in the area then known as Swalwell, Alberta near the present day village of Linden, Alberta. Our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather left for that better place, as he called it, on August 25, 2025 at the age of ninety-nine.

At four Dad's life changed when Aunt Margaret, who was like his second mom, got married. When he reached school age he, together with siblings, walked or caught a ride to Linden School. During his eight years of schooling he and his classmates became lifetime friends. He learned lasting lessons from his teacher in the schoolroom.

Dad enjoyed growing up with his older nieces and nephews and later formed friendships with the younger ones. His cousins were his childhood, youth, and adult comrades.

Dad was baptized becoming a member of the Church of God, in Christ, Mennonite on May 10, 1942 by Minister Albert Unruh. Church attendance, at the church a half mile from home, and volunteering were part of his life. Many times Dad was asked to teach Grandmas' Sunday School classes. In his eighties the youth boys elected Dad to teach their Sunday School class.

In 1954 Dad and Uncle Claude laid wire between power poles in neighboring communities. Together with Uncle Frank he also worked on above ground telephone lines. He was known as Mr. Barkman to the many children that rode his school bus to and from school. As a younger man he helped in the family funeral service business. Sometimes he helped transport the ill to the hospital in the hearse. Farming for his father, with his brothers, and later with his family involved changes from horses and machinery to larger tractors and equipment. For a number of years we sold everything from groceries to books in the store at the end of the driveway.

In his youth he enjoyed singing with Uncle Ben, sister in law, Aunt Annie, and sister, Aunt Rose. His collection of songbooks deteriorated when, as toddlers, we used his songbooks. As youth and adults we sang together and listened as Dad prayed about government issues, or church concerns, and mentioned each one of us. Later his grandchildren were added to the list in his prayers. In their senior years Mom and Dad enjoyed the times the grandchildren would sing.

On July 10, 1960 Dad married our Mother, Elsie Baerg. For sixty years they enjoyed the farm, raised a family, retired to Linden, and then resided together at Westview Suites until Mom's death in January of 2021. Dad was lonely after mom passed but felt there was a reason he was alive so enjoyed the quiet life. Visiting, seeing outdoor scenery from his window, a vehicle or his scooter, and playing games with his tablemates and other seniors occupied his time. He loved to have his family including great-grand grandchildren visit or call.

During our childhood we remember a change in Dad's life that continued until his death. As children we wondered why he would apologize for being impatient. Living close to God was important.

In the mornings Dad would drink a glass of water, take a few deep breaths at the front door, and find a scripture verse that coordinated with a song going through his mind. Later he shared his inspiration during morning devotions. We sang 'Good morning to you' and Dad prayed. On winter evenings we sat in our cozy living room and listened as Dad read from a specially chosen book and prayed in a voice used only during prayer.

Dad had a wonderful sense of humor during all circumstances of life. He made many friends, old and young, because he cared about the heart, not just the person.

Dad learned gentlemanly conduct and life skills at home, at school and later in the country store his father ran from a small building in the yard. We watched, listened and learned from his manners as children and adults.

Left with many memories are his children Jeff & Elaine, Rimbey, AB; Burt & Cindy, Wanham, AB; Margaret, Fort Vermilion, AB; Gerald & Cecile, Linden, AB; and Doris & Roy Toews, Sexsmith, AB; his twenty-six grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren; a special niece, Heather Barkman, his brother in law Peter and Rose Dueck, his sister in law, Bernice Baerg, his nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

Gone before are Mom, Dad's five brothers, five sisters, four infant siblings and Mom's four brothers and four sisters and many acquaintances.

We, as a family, are thankful for the care Dad received at the Westview Care Community suites and later at the palliative care suite, during his stay at the Three Hills Hospital, and for his caring doctor, Dr. Calhoun.