ALFRED WARKENTIN

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ALFRED WARKENTIN Alfred Warkentin was born in Steinbach, Manitoba on July 5, 1936 and passed away on November 21, 2013 at Rest Haven Personal Care Home in Steinbach. Dad will be missed by all those who love him, including his wife Corrine, children: Wayne Warkentin, Dean (Bev) Warkentin, Scott Warkentin, Troy (Allison) Warkentin, and Jenilyn (Mike) Babcock, as well as 12 grandchildren. Dad was born on a sweltering summer day in 1936 and was the oldest of three children born to Daniel and Aganetha Warkentin. He grew up on the family farm just south of Landmark and attended the nearby Shakespeare School until the seventh grade. Dad helped out on the farm until his late teenage years and during that time also began working off the farm on ice cutting crews for Arctic Ice or framing houses with a variety of construction companies. Dad met the love of his life, Corrine, in 1954 at a local dance. Their courtship included attending many of these dances together at which Dad often played his fiddle. Mom and Dad were married in 1958 in Steinbach, and they took up residence in Winnipeg during their first years of marriage. In 1957, Dad and his business partner formed a construction company, called Trio Drywall, in Winnipeg. Dad's work in the construction field took him all over Manitoba and northwestern Ontario. The company became a success and was widely known in the industry. In 1965, Dad and Mom realized that they needed much more open space to raise their young family than a small lot in Winnipeg could provide, with the fourth of four sons having recently arrived. Dad bought 60 acres of land from his parents near Landmark, where he and Mom built a new home, and the family settled in to country living. Dad and Mom felt that their family wasn't quite complete and their youngest child, a daughter, arrived in 1975. Dad rekindled his love of farming shortly after the move to the country and he kept an active interest in it for as long as he was physically able. Dad and Mom expanded the family farm in the late 1970s and at that time, Dad's work in the construction field became second fiddle, however his tape measure always stayed within arm's reach. They continued to live on the family farm until 2006 when they moved to Steinbach. In his later years, Dad often completed small renovation projects or frequented his workshop or the coffee shop where his love of woodworking, carpentry, or talking about it kept him active and engaged. Dad was skilled at making tables, cooling racks or other household items, however his specialty in making wooden rubber band guns, blocks and other toys made him a popular Grandpa with all of his grandchildren. Dad shared a love of travel with Mom, and together they were able to collect many lasting memories. Dad's love of warm winds and sandy beaches and disdain for cold Manitoba winters allowed them to take part in frequent winter getaways. Dad will be remembered as one who was an observant and careful planner and who was able to make decisions and make them happen. Dad loved to tell stories and play his fiddle, and would play frequently at the end of a hard day's work or simply for the enjoyment of the music. Dad always maintained his positive attitude, his often dry wit and his sense of humour. Above many life skills, Dad gave high regard to teaching his children to work hard and to love the work that they do. A special thank you for those who cared for Dad during his last few months is extended to the staff at the Vita Hospital and the Rest Haven Personal Care Home. Viewing and a devotional will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 27, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Prairie Rose Evangelical Mennonite Church in Landmark with viewing prior to the service. Interment will be at the Heritage Cemetery in Steinbach. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations in memory of Dad may be made to Parkinson Society Manitoba, 7 - 414 Westmount Drive, Winnipeg, MB R2J 1P2. Arrangements by BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL 1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 26, 2013