Baldwin Kemkaran

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BALDWIN MOSES KEMKARAN

Baldwin Moses Kemkaran went to be with our Heavenly Father on Friday, May 23, 2014 at the age of 75 years.

He will be missed by his children: Michael (Brianna) Kemkaran, Janet (Scott) Groen, Jeff (Jenny) Kemkaran, and Hazel Barkman (his “adopted” daughter/caregiver). His grandchildren Michaela, Jenaya and Alexandra Groen and Bradley Kemkaran will cherish the memories of Grampa K. He will also be missed by his family from the Church of God in Christ, as well as by his siblings: Sylvia (Tony), Lindbergh, Jeannette, and Butch; sister-in-law Florence; brother-in-law Mellan and numerous nephews and nieces.

He was predeceased by his parents, three siblings: Samuel, Samson and Joyce; his brother-in-law Hamlin; his sister-in-law Lavinia and his niece Sandie.

Dad was born on August 24, 1938 in San Fernando, Trinidad to Hannah and Edward Kemkaran. He was the youngest of eight children. He often talked about his childhood in Trinidad with many fond memories especially of playing soccer and cricket for Naparima College.

When Dad was 18, he moved from Trinidad to join his mother and some of his siblings in London, England where he worked at the Cambridge University Press. In 1963, his brother (Samuel) brought him over to Canada and here he made his home for the next 51 years.

Dad met and married our mother (Joyce) in Winnipeg in 1968 and they moved to Reston, MB to start their family and here he began his teaching career. Mr. K (as he was known to his students and enjoyed being called by many others) taught many different subjects with his favourites being math and biology. He was also a volleyball coach for many years. Dad retired from Reston Collegiate Institute after 29 years of teaching.

Shortly after retiring, Dad moved back to Winnipeg to be close to his children and grandchildren. In 2009, Dad moved to Steinbach to be closer to his church family, and remained there until his passing.

Dad was a quiet and gentle man. He loved the Lord and he loved his family. At the age of 40, he accepted Jesus as his Savior and Lord, and he chose to live a life following Christ. He faithfully taught his children to do the same. Dad was very involved in the churches that he attended and he used his gifts and talents to song lead, teach and preach. He was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, in Sinclair, Manitoba on September 7, 1997 by Minister Jim Elliott. He remained faithful to those vows until the end.

Dad will be greatly missed, but we know he is healed and in fellowship with his Heavenly Father.

We want to thank the congregation of the Church of God in Christ in Steinbach and Sinclair for being family to him. We also want to thank the staff and residents at Maplewood Manor for the extraordinary love and care that you provided him in his last 18 months. And a very special thank you to Hazel who faithfully visited, cared for and loved our Dad. We truly appreciate you all.

We love you Dad and we will miss you.

Funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 27, 2014 @ 10:30 a.m. at Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, Steinbach, MB., with burial to follow at Heritage cemetery, Steinbach. The viewing will be held at the church prior to the service.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Arrangements entrusted to:
Birchwood Funeral Chapel
Steinbach, MB

As published in The Carillon on May 26, 2014