Peter Harm Werkman was born November 28th 1945, In Uithuizen, Groningen, the Netherlands. He was the 9th child born to Jan Antje Werkman. When Pete was 4 years old his parents decided to move their large family to Canada. They came on a boat called “The Beverbrae.” After landing in Halifax, they travelled by train to Alberta. Their destination was Neerlandia where Antje’s sister lived. When they arrived, they found that they would soon have to move due to lack of work in Neerlandia. They went south to Taber, where they found work with the sugar beet farmers. After two years they moved to Edmonton. In 1954, Jan brought his family back to Neerlandia, where he bought a farm. In 1965, illness forced Jan from farming, and Pete bought the farm in 1969. On June 19th 1970,
Pete married Carol Tuininga.
This marriage was blessed with 7 children, Jason, Shawn, Melanie, Wesley, Krista, Russell & Darcy, and 26 grandchildren. In 1994, Pete went to Camrose College of Auctioneering, and got his auctioneer’s License. This was something that he had dreamed of doing for years. In 1996, Pete & Carol decided to sell their hog farm, and set up a custom cattle feed lot, and a custom silaging business, which were operated by son Jason with the help of Wes & Russell. That same year Pete & Carol started Werkman’s Auction Service. This proved to be a busy but enjoyable venture for both. In 2004, Pete & Carol bought a house in the hamlet of Neerlandia. Pete has always been very active in Church life, having served as both deacon, and elder throughout the years. He also taught Catechisms for many years, which he enjoyed thoroughly. In March 2013 he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. After having Chemo & radiation, things didn’t look too bad, but then in the spring of 2014 an MRI indicated that the tumor had started growing again, and soon after, on May 27 Pete ended up in Barrhead hospital, where he stayed until the Lord called him to his heavenly dwelling
on August 24 2014.
He leaves to mourn, his wife Carol of 44 years, 7 children & 26 grandchildren, Jason & Alanna Werkman (Ainsleigh, Mackenzie, Mercedes, Brock, Teegan, Lincoln), Shawn Werkman, Melanie & Errol Hooimeyer (Jackson, Zachery, Maddison, Karter, Danika), Wesley & Gloria Werkman (Hailey, Sierra, Saige),
Krista & Richard Kobes (Parker, Deakan, Presley),
Russell & Stephanie Werkman (Avery, Cadence, Alexis, Damian),
Darcy & Pamela Werkman (Braxton, Dominique, Kaiyen, Naveya),
his siblings; Betty Bouwsema, Menno & Joanne Werkman, Klaas & Audrey Werkman, Johanna Werkman, Annette & Jake Leffers, Jake & Irene Werkman, Rita & Chris Bosch, Harry & Freeda Werkman,
his in-laws Louis & Sheila Ypma, Harry & Joanne Boessenkool, Bruce & David Tuininga, Bernice Peters, plus many nieces & nephews,
many other relatives & friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, Jan & Antje Werkman, sister Annie Buikema, brother John Werkman, and grandson Kingston Kobes.
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