FORREST BARNHART

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FORREST BARNHART

April 21, 1939 – January 27, 2026

In Loving Memory

After a quick decline in his physical health, Forrest passed away January 27, 2026, at Concordia Place Personal Care Home in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Surrounded by his wife, Diane, and her son, Paul, and his wife Alison, Forrest left this world peacefully and knowing he was loved. A beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he will be missed.

Predeceased by his father, John Benjamin, his mother, Lorna (Munday), his two brothers, Donald and Gerald, and his previous spouse, Pauline (Popoff), his son Carman, and his grandsons, Benjamin, Caleb, and Albert.

He leaves to mourn his beloved wife of 43 years, Diane. Also left to mourn are his sons Randy (with Margaret and children, Randy Jr. and Melissa, Earl (and children, Brian and Kristen), Allen (with Bonnie and children Emily, Elizabeth, and Abigail), and Paul. Diane's children Angel, Paul, Mark, Joel, Val, and Karel took great care of Diane and Forrest during his final years.

Forrest was born in Portage La Prairie and spent the first seven years of his life in the village of Riding Mountain, Manitoba, raised by his beloved mother while his father served overseas during the Second World War. After his father returned, more siblings were added to the family: Donald, Joyce, Reba, Gerald, and the twins Sandra and Betty. Forrest spoke lovingly about his siblings and their families and was always happy to see them and share their lives.

Forrest worked in many different fields. He was a professional driving instructor, a mechanic, a truck driver, and a maintenance man. He always had stories to tell and share.

Forrest and Diane spent many years traveling and ministering in many locations in the U.S. and Canada. As part of those travels, they volunteered at Strawberry Lake Bible Camp and at Rock Lake Ministries' Bible Camp. Forrest was also a member of the Full Gospel Businessmen's Association. And as active members of Gateway Church in Winnipeg, Forrest volunteered at their weekly Foodbank. Forrest and Diane were instrumental in helping to launch a new location of Gateway Church called Gateway East as they arranged the first meeting room in their apartment building. Forrest's faith was a very important aspect of his life. He will be remembered for his love for his family and for his church community.

His Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the East Elmwood Community Centre, 490 Keenleyside Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba at 7:00 p.m.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 21, 2026