JOSHUA MARK GOOSSEN

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JOSHUA MARK GOOSSEN 1979 - 2001 Born June 25, 1979 in Morden to Ted and Mary Goossen, Joshua lived in Winkler and accepted Christ as a child. In 1985 he moved with his family to Cranberry Portage. Here he developed talents in music and art, joined Grace Church and enjoyed summers at Simonhouse Bible Camp. He was known as a popular and humorous friend. After graduating in 1997 his musical talents flourished at Bethany Bible Institute and later in Saskatoon. In 1998, Joshua was received into the Orthodox Church. In fall of 1999 he began teaching guitar and studying music at university. Signs of what was to be later understood as schizophrenia became evident. In spring 2000 he moved to live with his parents in Winkler and spent the last half year of his life at home and as a patient at Eden Mental Health Center. Schizophrenia began consuming much of the humour and youthfulness Joshua had been known for, becoming an ever-intensifying battle for him to maintain control over his mind. Yet, instead of despairing, Joshua found spiritual strength and understanding of his sufferings in God, the Scriptures, and writings of the saints. His struggles enabled him to profoundly love and understand those who suffered, and all whom he knew, blessing them with his prayers, music, and art. In the end, after fighting it courageously, the sickness broke Joshua, and he ended his life on April 26, 2001. Funeral services were held Monday morning April 30 at Wiebes Funeral Chapel (Orthodox) and at Winkler Bible Camp (Evangelical) in the afternoon with interment in Winkler Cemetery. Donations may be made to Simonhouse Bible Camp, Box 250, Cranberry Portage, MB R0B 0H0 or to Manitoba Schizophrenia Society, 3 - 1000 Notre Dame Ave., Wpg., MB R3E 0N3. He leaves to mourn his parents; brother Jonathan (Cindy) sisters, Jodine (Kimbal) Siebert and Sara; nephew Jacob; grandmothers Helen Goossen and Sara Dueck; many relatives, friends and beneficiaries of his self-emptying love. May his memory be eternal. Wiebe Funeral Home Winkler in care of arrangements. 204-325-4201.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 05, 2001