THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE GORDON JACOB BARKMAN

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THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE GORDON JACOB BARKMAN May 2, 1926 - May 14, 2018 It is with great sadness the family announces the sudden passing of our husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, The Honourable Mr. Justice Gordon Jacob Barkman, at the age of 92, on Monday, May 14, 2018 at St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg, MB. Born on May 2, 1926, to the late Jacob R. and Helena T. (Wiebe) Barkman, Gordon was a life-time resident of Steinbach, Manitoba, having recently moved to Winnipeg for health reasons. Gordon served in the Second World War, he was awarded the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and the Canadian War Medal for his service. After leaving the army in 1945 he became a founding member of the Steinbach Royal Canadian Legion in 1946, remaining an active member until his death. At different times between 1946 and 1981, he held the positions of general executive member, Vice President and President. In 1945, Gordon resumed his formal education, culminating in his graduation from the University of Manitoba Law School in 1951. Around this time, he met and won the attention of a Friedensfeld girl, Norma Borkowsky and convinced her to move back to Steinbach from her work in Ontario. Two years later, on September 26, 1953, Gordon and Norma were married and began their 65-year journey together. In 1972, Gordon accepted an appointment to become a Judge of the County Court in Manitoba. He was subsequently promoted to Chief of the County Court in 1983 and then promoted again to Her Majesty's Court of Queen's Bench in 1984 from which he retired in 2001. Throughout Gordon's 29-year judicial career he maintained his characteristic qualities of patience, politeness and preparation. In his quiet and reserved way, he presided over a number of notable and defining decisions. Gordon was approached in 1980 to help found the Bethesda Foundation in Steinbach. He assisted with the incorporation, drew up the constitution and served the community as an active board member and honorary chair for 30 years. His life will forever be cherished by his wife Norma Gladys (nee Borkowsky); his sons, Kurt (Eva) Barkman of Denver, CO, Andrew (Monique) of Montreal, Quebec, and Anne (David Banman) Barkman of Steinbach, son-in-law, Mark Dufault, Argyle, MN; grandchildren, Kelly (Nick) Tweiten, Megan (Trevor) Tompkins, Michael Barkman, Jill Barkman, Daniel Banman and Robert Banman, and great-grandchildren, Aubrey and Alexis Tompkins and Rylie Lang. Also surviving are his siblings, Rose (Jake) Peters, Shirley (Allan) Lysak, John (Ruth) Barkman and Betty Ann Funk, sisters-in-law, Bernice (the late Art) Birzneck, Laura Barkman and Hilda Barkman. Gordon also will be forever remembered by his numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends. In addition to his parents, Gordon was predeceased by his cherished daughter Dallas (Barkman) Dufault, siblings, Mintie (Bill / David), Levi, Peter, Lawrence (Doris), and in-laws, Joanne, Ed (Lilly) and Jake (Mary). The family would like to thank the staff at the Brightwater, and a very special thank you to Dr. Brian Sharkey for his care and compassion in the last months of Gordon's life. The family would like to also thank Dr. Hajidiacos and the staff at the St. Boniface Hospital. The funeral service was held Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at the St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 465 Henry Street, Steinbach, MB. A private interment will be held at a later date. Arrangements by BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL 1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 02, 2018