1946 – 2026 Watching Steinbach Grow: Barkman Concrete founder remembered

APRIL 7, 2016—One of Steinbach’s foremost businessmen and philanthropists died Sunday. Peter L. Barkman was 88.

Barkman molded a plumbing and heating business into a successful concrete enterprise that has proven to be a major player across the continent.

Guided by Barkman’s steady hand until his son Alan took over the reins, Barkman Concrete has become one of the leading manufacturers of precast concrete products in North America. The Steinbach-based business employs approximately 250 seasonal and full-time employees.

Despite stepping aside in the late 1980s, Peter Barkman remained abreast on the growing business’ triumphs, as chairman of the board.

A leader in the business world, Barkman was also renowned for exemplifying local giving. Barkman has said he emulated the lessons his parents taught him.

Barkman served on various church committees and local boards. He helped build Eden Mental Health Centre in Winkler and helped bring Eden East housing and supportive services to Steinbach.

He initiated the construction of a timber-frame gazebo in K.R. Barkman Park, (the park named after his father), Steinbach’s first mayor from 1947 to 1958, following the town’s incorporation.

Barkman established what is now known as the Barkman Concrete Foundation Inc. in 1980, a granting agency that distributed funds to an assortment of charities over the years.

He was recognized in 2002 with the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, conferred for exemplary community contributions. He has also been honored by Providence University College, which chose Barkman for its Distinguished Christian Leadership Award in 2004.

In 2007, Barkman was the first winner of The Loewen Foundation’s Philanthropist of the Year.

Just a month before his death, Barkman was recognized by the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters with the Pioneer Award for starting a manufacturing business and nurturing it into a homegrown success.