Mr. Leroy Robert Barkman, age 53 years and member of Sachigo Lake First Nation, passed away peacefully in Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre on Wednesday, October 4, 2023.
Robert was born in Red Lake, Ontario on December 8, 1969 and worked various jobs throughout his life, primarily in the School system and most recently as a Health Director. Robert had a passion for the outdoors and always enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting and trapping with family and friends. He was very proud of the Native traditional and cultural values passed down to him. Robert loved music and was very talented, playing numerous instruments and singing. He also loved spending time with family. Robert's kindness, smile and big heart will be missed, but the memories shared with him will be cherished forever.
Robert will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 33 years, Sandra (nee Harper); his children Stanley, Nancy (Rondell) McKay, twin daughters Darlene Barkman and Esther (Darryl) Brown, Marita Barkman, Karma (Jack Rae) and Janelle Barkman; grandchildren Jordyn Barkman, Jessie, Jack, Jericho and Jesper McKay, Meagan, Christian and Kadri Brown, as well as another baby on the way; his father Eli Barkman; his siblings Derek (Illa) Harper, Wesley (Deborah) Barkman, Carl (Mary) Barkman and Walter (Shannon) Barkman; nieces and nephews Cheryl, Barry and Deanne, Hannah, Pamela and Shania, Kevin, Randell, Carlene, Thomas, Yvonne, Dwayne and Jace Barkman, Angela Tait, David, Julia and Shadrack Barkman. Numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends also survive.
He was predeceased by mother Delia (nee Harper) Barkman; grandson Jovaun McKay; baby McKay, baby Barkman and babies Brown; nephew Karl Barkman as well as several other relatives and extended family.
A Wake Service for Robert will be held in Thunder Bay on Friday, October 6, 2023 from 1:00pm until 3:00pm in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James, officiated by Evangelist Tamar Plummer, assisted by Agrippa Barkman.
Robert will then be transported home to Sachigo Lake First Nation where a Wake will be held beginning Saturday evening, in the Sachigo Lake Community Centre. The Funeral Service will be held in Emmanuel Pentecostal Church on Monday, October 9, 2023 at 1:00pm, officiated by Bishop Morris Fiddler. Burial will follow in the Sachigo Lake New Community Cemetery.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
