Obituary of Edward James Barkman

Our beloved son and brother, Edward James Barkman was born to Jay and Paula Friesen Barkman in Brandon, Manitoba on June 2, 1990. He passed away at home in Grafton, Nova Scotia on November 22, 2013 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Twenty three short years ago we welcomed our firstborn son into our home and a few months later moved to the Annapolis Valley. He spent a carefree happy childhood growing up with his brothers and sisters and attended Apple Blossom School. He enjoyed the outdoors; swimming, fishing, snowboarding and mountain biking. He loved making walking sticks and working with wood. He really enjoyed helping on the farm pruning apples, etc. When that became too difficult he worked at building picture frames. Much of his time was spent in singing and drawing. At the age of thirteen Edward answered the call of Jesus, committing his life to him. He was baptized on March 21, 2004 by Min. Les Goossen, into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite. He was faithful to his vows until God called him home. In the spring of 2007 Edward was diagnosed with brain cancer. On this journey he became acquainted with many people. His was a life of accepting his limitations and moving on; he was a great inspiration to others. He was a friend to people of all walks of life and ages. His forthright honesty left a deep impression on those he met. The family treasures the cross-Canada trip they could take together; also his visit to El Salvador to see Doyle. After fighting to live for so many years, he asked for Jesus to take him Home. Shortly after a song some of the family sang, he quietly left this earth to be with his Saviour. Though he leaves a huge empty place in our hearts and home, we are so glad he is forever free. Those left to cherish precious memories are his parents, Jay and Paula, brothers and sisters, Doyle (teaching in El Salvador), Emily, Nina, Neil and Victor all of the home; maternal grandparents Orville and Nina Friesen, Cartwright, Manitoba; paternal grandparents Denton and June Barkman, Cartwright, Manitoba; many uncles, aunts and cousins; and countless friends and acquaintances. He was predeceased by his cousin Jared. The family is grateful for the excellent care of Dr. Wadden, Dr. Burgess, IWK doctors & staff, Nurses Ann Chapman and Irene Spares. Visitation will be held on Monday, November 25, 2013 from 7-9pm at the Serenity Lindsay Funeral Home, Berwick Chapel. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at 10am from the The Church of God in Christ, Mennonite Church (2639 Black Rock Road, Grafton). Burial to follow at the Berwick Cemetery. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.serenitylindsayfuneralhome.ca Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Lindsay Funeral Home, Berwick Chapel (192 Commercial St) 538-9900.