Leroy Bauman

Leroy Bauman peacefully passed into the presence of his Saviour on January 3, 2025. Dad was born on June 29, 1965, in Fergus, Ontario, to the late Lester and Viola Bauman. He was the second in a family of 9 boys and 2 girls, and the admired oldest brother. He gave his heart to the Lord as a teenager, and from then on his life was wholly devoted to God. Everything he did, he did with his whole heart. After he finished school, he went into the logging business with his dad until he moved to Manitoba in 1985. There he was introduced to John Plett's oldest daughter, Marilyn, and they married in 1988. Dad & Mom set up house near Horndean, MB. Dad worked at LodeKing Trailers and later with his father and brothers at General Metal Fabrication. In 1990, Dad was ordained to the ministry, and in 1991 Dad & Mom moved to the Philippines. They lived there with their growing family for the next 18 years. Dad learned the Filipino language fluently and built lasting friendships with the people there. He walked many kilometres to spread the Gospel, winning the respect of many by his quiet service and ability to listen. We children loved to go along with him to Bible studies or trips to the city or market, and he included us in his work and travels as much as he could. Dad was never a big talker, but he taught much by his faithful example. We watched him fix engines, rebuild jeepneys, butcher pigs, or build roofs; and our hearts watched him live out Christ's love in everything he did. In the summer of 2006, Dad spent many hours building the Sapang Palay church under the blazing sunshine, which later resulted in the start of his melanoma. In 2008, Dad underwent a Crohn's surgery and experienced a miraculous healing.

In 2009, Dad & Mom moved their family to Austin, Manitoba. They joined the Pine Creek Mennonite Church where Dad was a faithful member and minister until his death. He enjoyed 10 years of working at Wurtz Bros. Concrete, and in 2019, started his own business, Crosshatch Metal and Mechanics, in his own shop. He was known far and wide as a skilled mechanic and welder who could always fit in another job and could diagnose any mechanical problem, even over the phone.

He was also known for his thorough knowledge of the Bible, his loyalty to his church, and his rock solid commitment to his Master.

In 2020, Dad was diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer. His journey with cancer took him to Tijuana, Mexico, multiple times, where he received excellent care at Contreras Clinic, the last time being in August 2024. Miraculously, he had no pain for the last three months, and on the morning of January 3, with family around his bed, he passed from his earthly home to eternal glory.

Left to treasure his memory are his beloved wife Marilyn, his six children - Jalyn & Kenneth Plett of Manitoba, Delvin of Alberta, Twila of Manitoba, Staci of Nova Scotia, Quinci of Alberta, Chad & Asha of Ontario and his five grandchildren - Kristie, Aleesha, Javin, and Karlin Plett and Tashelle Bauman. He is survived by his eight brothers and two sisters: Delphine & Abe Plett of Nova Scotia, Bernice of Manitoba, Keith & Kathy of Ontario, Kevin & Cheryl of Ontario, Gerald & Val of Manitoba, Marvin & Cheryl of Ontario, Leon & Julia of Manitoba, Milo of Manitoba, Tim & Carla of Manitoba, Steve of Ontario; his mother-in-law, Rosella Plett, and all his Plett in-laws. He was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law, John Plett, and his nephew, Travis Bauman.

Dad's prayers always included his brotherhood at Pine Creek, and he'd often list his children and grandchildren by name in his prayers. We as a family will miss him greatly, but we rejoice with him in his eternal victory.

We would like to thank our friends, family, and neighbours for all your care, kindness, and especially prayer support. Special thanks to Jonny Metzler for his unselfish service, to Burton & Mary Plett for their advice and encouragement, and to Dr. Milligan and the nurses at Neepawa Hospital for their kindness and compassionate care.