MANITOBA AGRICULTURAL
HALL OF FAME
Brandon, Manitoba, Canada
Roll of Honour I
Merle M. Barkley, son of Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Barkley, was born in the Mississippi Valley, Missouri, USA. He moved to the Cheval District, near Morden, in 1915, and started to farm. He began to experiment with the growing of corn. In 1934 he expanded the operation to grow corn as a grain. His inventiveness was clearly shown even at this early date. When the "runs" on the seeder he was using plugged, he developed a couple of hand planters. That fall the corn was picked and shelled by hand, however, by 1937, he was able to buy and use a one row corn picker.In 1941 he was one of the first farmers to plant hybrid seed. He also cribbed the corn, in order to let it dry on the cob. During the next decade, he bought a Habro Grain Dryer and a corn header for the combine, another progressive move to enhance the growing of this crop. The corn could now be shelled in the field. Because of the unusually high yield of bushels per acre, Mr. Barkley, in 1971 and 72, won the Manitoba Corn Growing, Trophy and Title.
Merle's efforts have gone far beyond his contribution to the corn growing industry. In 1957, he led the way by building a front army truck mounted snow blower. The rotary augers, and hydraulic controls were a positive influence upon snow removal and pleasanter life for rural people. He enjoyed the recreation of building models, and generously put these units on display for others to enjoy.
This active member of the community, was well known as the "Father of the Corn Growers of Manitoba". When local area corn tours were begun, Merle's farm was used as a model of "good farm husbandry", thus encouraging his neighbours and friends to do well. His willingness to try something new and to pass on the information to his fellow farmers was part of his life style.
Merle has been awarded many trophies and awards over the years. The Manitoba Corn Growers Association honoured him with a Life Membership because of his many contributions. The best tribute that can be paid to him, is that he was a good friend to one and all.
Nominated by Allen Kennedy on behalf of the Manitoba Corn Growers Association.
George Robert Batho
1873 - 1948Born in Kenilworth, Wellington, Ontario. George Batho arrived in Manitoba in 1897 to farm in the Austin district. Having learned the printing trade in Mount Forrest, Ontario, he became a traveling representative and correspondent of the Nor'-West Farmer. In 1903, having moved to Winnipeg, he served as editor-in-chief of this pioneer Journal of Western Canada for thirteen years.
In 1916, Mr. Batho was appointed as the Editor of Agricultural Publications and Statistics for the Manitoba Department of Agriculture, where he was to supervise the publication of 411 booklets, 69 of which where written himself.
George Batho had a keen interest in prairie horticulture especially in noxious weeds. He served as president and director of the Manitoba Horticultural and Forestry Association, receiving an Honorary Life Membership in 1930. He became secretary of the Manitoba Weed Commission when it was formed. Through his research and educational work relating to noxious weeds, he performed a service which could only be measured in the millions of dollars to Manitoba farmers. He served as secretary of the Manitoba Branch of the Canadian Society of Technical Agriculturists and was a life member of the Agricultural Institute of Canada.
In addition to his activities related to his profession and his community, Mr. Batho was a charter member of the Broadway Baptist Church in Winnipeg.
Respected and admired by all who knew him, George Batho made a considerable contribution to the agricultural development of Manitoba.
Nominated by Elgin Batho (son)
Wilfred Albert Samuel Beattie
1902 - 1985Wilfred Albert Samuel Beattie was born in Township Mara, Ontario, near Orillia on April 20, 1902. Wilfred came to Doulgas, Manitoba in 1906 and to Roblin in 1908, moving to Makaroff in 1909. He received his education in Roblin an Makaroff.
In 1932, he married Helen Lindsay and together they raised a family of four daughters and one son.
Mr. Beattie built his first Gravity Blanket Cleaner in 1933 and proceeded to make another fourteen machines. For some years he had the machines moving throughout the country cleaning grain on farms. In 1947, they were built at Cancade Brothers in Brandon. Some 4,600 cleaners were made and sold in Canada with another 800 being marketed in the United States.
The Beattie Wind Cleaner, which was an entirely new idea in cleaning grain was patented in 1968. The patent was easy to secure as no other cleaner which would grade and clean grain according to weight and size had ever been patented. Other inventions marketed by Wilfred were: a screen and sieve machine that cleans rape out the other grains; a new patented harrow in 1975 - a stiff tooth stone trip harrow.
His inventive mind abled farmers to improve the quality of their crops and thus the quality of their lives.
Nominated by the Roblin Agricultural Society.
Percy Brockinton
1901 - 1985Percy Brockinton was born in the Peninsula District of Arthur Municipality and attended the district school until 13 years of age. At this time he started working on the home farm, and in 1914, he ventured into farming on his own in the Melita area.
Mr. Brockinton won numerous awards in his long career as a seed grower. In 1917, he won the Championship Best exhibit of Marquis Wheat at the Manitoba Exhibition in Winnipeg, and with this same exhibit won First for Best Exhibit of Durum Wheat at the Toronto Royal. Percy was presented with the Robertson Associated Award by the Canadian Seed Growers Association in 1964, in recognition of over 30 years of continuous good work as a seed grower. In 1970, he won the Championship Award for Registered Durum Wheat at the Manitoba Winter Fair.
In addition to the growing of Elite and Registered Seed Grain, Mr. Brockinton achieved marked success with his purebred herd of Shorthorn cattle.
Mr. Brockinton was also an active member of the community who served on the rural School Board, was president of the Agricultural Society and the Curling Club, served for five years on the Melita Town Council with five years on the Local Planning Commission.
Percy was honored in 1964 by the Canada Department of Agriculture and the Canadian Seed Growers' Association: "In recognition of services and contributions to Canadian Agriculture"; a fitting tribute to one who spent his life working to improve the lot of those who lived and worked in rural areas.
Nominated by the Rural Municipality of Arthur
Donald Ephriam Carrothers
1910 - 1988Donald E. Carrothers, the eldest son of Thomas and Etta Carrothers was born and educated at Austin, Manitoba. There he married Muriel Tattersall, and raised their family.
At a very early age Don developed a keen interest in engines. He was fascinated with their detail and performance. When the war of 1939-45 started, it had an enormous appetite for scrap iron. Most of the farm machinery and implements of our forefathers was being devoured to serve the war effort. Don alert to the fact that a vital part of our heritage could be lost, took up the concern of collecting and storing these vital heritage links. Mr. Carrothers personal dedication or "mission" in life was established.
His first action was to alert the people of the impending danger, and to form a committee to help prevent the total decimation of the unique artifacts. Never in the history of the area has such a personal dedication been witnessed. At a time when he was needed most at home he sacrificed time away from his farm and family duties, to promote the establishment of what came to be known as the Manitoba Agricultural Museum. His energy knew no limits. He did not have great wealth for that would have meant that he could have created and "instant" museum, but he did have a dream, a desire, and the dedication to make the collection become a reality.
As the museum grew, he came to know the joys and disappointments of being the "founding father" of such a large enterprise. He was never reluctant to confront fundamental problems, and he never ducked issues or questions regarding his beloved museum. He expressed his opinions openly and freely.
Besides being recognized at the museum, he judged antique farm equipment, and was awarded the "Manitoba Historical Society Centennial Commemorative Medal".
The MAM consists of many displays of antique farm machines, and a pioneer village. Special yearly events include historic farm equipment in action. These machines stand as monuments to the mission of the devoted founder, Mr. Don Carrothers.
Nominated by Board of Directors of the Manitoba Agricultural Museum ~ 1994
James Joseph Dunn
1882 - 1975Joseph Dunn of Russell was born in 1882 in the Minniska district and received his education in the local Minniska school. Mr. Dunn also attended the Manitoba Agricultural College during the winters of 1908 and 1909.
Mr. Dunn was a long time member of the Manitoba Hereford Association, having started a pure-bred herd of Hereford cattle in 1927. He was very influential in the development of the Hereford breed, both in and out of the Province of Manitoba. Mr. Dun showed livestock at the Brandon Winter Fair every year, where they sold to pure-bred breeders and commercial herds. Breeding stock were also sold to all parts of Canada and the United States with some exports to South Africa. Mr. Dunn showed cattle at most western fairs and the Toronto Royal and received a large number of ribbons and trophies for his efforts.
In 1963, the Manitoba Hereford Association presented Mr. Dunn with a silver tray in recognition of his contribution to the Hereford Industry. Two years later he was presented with a Certificate of Merit for his promotion of the breed.
In 1967, the Manitoba Centennial Corporation presented Mr. Dunn with the Order of the Crocus Certificate Award of Honour, in grateful recognition of services given to the welfare and development of the nation. On the occasion of his 93rd birthday, he was the recipient of the Scroll of Honour from Radio Station CJGX Golden Westerners for his lengthy contribution to good citizenship.
Nominated by Russell Agricultural Society
Peter Fidler
1769-1822Peter Fidler, born 1769 in Bolsover, Derbyshire, England, signed on as a labourer for the Hudson Bay Company in 1788. On his arrival in Canada he was trained by Philip Turner the Company's factor as a surveyor. Peter did his job with such accuracy that his maps are referred to in modern times. He used this same accuracy for detailed drawings, and descriptions of the flora and fauna he found, as he worked his way across the prairies.
When he became Fort Master for the Company, he carried seeds wherever he went. He planted gardens at all the forts, and these gardens were grown as far north as York Factory. With many forts established, he turned his attention to the agricultural prospects of the West. During the summer of 1812, barley crops were destroyed by grasshoppers, and he noted that this destruction occurred every 18 years. He also reported that potatoes, turnip, and other vegetable crops failed, due to almost continuous drought. These crops had yielded well for four years commencing in 1812, but dry summers started in 1816.
Mr. Fidler also reported on the different types of soils found at the forts, and noted that manure was seldom used, except for the raising of cucumbers, melons, and onions. Potatoes, introduced into the area in 1780, were the main crops at the forts. He also introduced the first cow, bull, and hen into the Selkirk Settlement, and helped to teach the settlers the art of farming.
In 1819 Peter retired to Fort Dauphin, there to tend his garden, his barley and wheat crops during his final years. At that time he wrote, as well, about the flourishing Manitoba Maple Syrup Industry. He died in 1822, and was buried at the Fort. The memory of this remarkable man will always remain in the minds of his descendants and admirers. He was truly:
"MANITOBA'S JOHNNY APPLESEED"
Nominated by: Joe A. Kostuchuk ~ 1993
Richard R. (Dick) Filteau
1920Dick Filteau was born in 1920 and raised on a farm near Dumas, Saskatchewan. He was educated at Model School and Kelvin Tech. High School. In 1942 he joined and served in the R.C.A.F. In 1945-49, he attended University of Manitoba graduating with a BSA degree in Agriculture. He later attended Tucson University to improve his skills in extension and management.
In 1943, he married Helen Hall and raised two sons, Glenn and Douglas and one daughter, Brenda. Dick served as Ag. Rep. in Steinbach and Melita. He later served as Co-ordinator of Programs and Policies for Manitoba Agriculture. Dick has worked closely with farmers, 4-H clubs, farm groups and rural groups. He judged at many livestock and seed shows and was involved in the initiation of the Pipestone Feeder Cattle Yard. Dick was a director for Manitoba on the Agriculture Institute of Canada. He served a mayor of Melita, on the Town Planning Committee and the Chamber of Commerce.
He served as Agriculture Advisor to the Yukon Territorial Government where he helped to establish an Agricultural Branch. He initiated and conducted trials on cereal, forage, garden and greenhouse crops. He initiated the development of a booklet on gardening in Yukon. He also carried out a census of Agriculture in Yukon. Dick was instrumental in setting up and managing the Southwest Field Shelterbelt Program.
Dick is highly respected, well known for his abilities and his communication and organizational skills, also respected is his dedication to the agricultural industry and the concerns of the people of the various communities he so faithfully and capably served.
Nominated by Don Bell ~ 1998
Andrew (Andy) Forsythe
1874 - 1956Andrew Forsythe, born in Peterborough, Ontario, was twenty-one when he moved to High Bluff, and started a lumber and grain business. He and Maude (nee Clarke) raised a family of five children.
His concerns on building and running 14 grain elevators, were the centre of many new innovations. He was the first owner to put in up-to-date cleaning dryer west of the Lakehead. He introduced a new and fairer procedure to determine, and allow for dockage. Even his action of paying farmers "spot" prices for wheat rather than "street" prices, forced other elevators to follow this more just practice, and added millions of dollars to the well being of the western farmer.
Mr. Forsythe was determined not to allow "big business" or "government" dictate to him or his friends. Andy retaliated against the CPR for blocking the "right-of-way" for long intervals of time. He blocked the passage of the train. Despite being threatened with a lawsuit, he had enough information about the situation that the Railway Company did not press the case. The change brought about on crossings is still in effect today. On another occasion, he and his lawyer friend, Arthur Meighen, won a case against the government. More money was demanded for a car license that he had bought earlier in the year. All people who had paid the additional premium were reimbursed.
Locally, he played a very important role. Although he did not regularly attend church, he was well known and respected by the clergy as an intelligent, well read, interesting host. As a sport enthusiast, he contributed to the local teams' expenses. The players appreciated his support. By driving local councillors in his car through the swamp countryside, he proved that a road to Delta Beach could and should be built. During the 30s, he donated coal to heat the financially strapped Portage General Hospital.
Although Andy has been gone for some years, he is still remembered as a strong supporter of the improvement of the community, province, and the situation of his friends.
Nominated by Dr. M. McCallister on behalf of the Portage la Prairie Exhibition Association ~ 1993
David Clarence Foster
1899 - 1966David C. Foster was born August 20, 1899 in the Lena District where he grew up, becoming a 4-H Club member. He became a school teacher and taught in local schools. Mr. Foster attended the University of Manitoba and graduated in 1925 as the Lieutenant-Governor Gold Medalist. He and his wife, Mary Perick, had a daughter and a son.
His first involvement with the Department of Agriculture was at Lethbridge, Alberta in poultry. During his 40 years of service to the Province of Manitoba (1926-66) he was primarily responsible for the development of the multi-million dollar poultry industry, developing the Manitoba Approved Flock. He was a Senior Coach to fifteen of the Manitoba Poultry Teams which took part in national competitions at Toronto with twelve first-place showings. In addition, he implemented many progressive concepts and administrative policies for the agricultural industry including programs which trained rural leaders and equally important, prepared rural people to accept a new era of farming practices which, in the due course, greatly improved the quality of life in Manitoba's farms.
His deep understanding of farming and farm related problems together with his capacity for leadership was attested to by his election or nomination to a multiplicity of local, provincial, and national committees. It is no exaggeration to the to state that D. C. Foster unselfishly dedicated his life to the improvement of rural communities, not only in Manitoba, but throughout Canada itself. His attainment of high office enabled his to pursue his goal of making the rural areas a better place in which to live.
His role in the history of agriculture in Manitoba cannot be pinned to any one specific contributions to the advancement of agriculture in the province.
His forte was his ability to bring together influential groups and have then act in unison and sufficient harmony sot hat the wheels of agriculture turned forward while he himself remained in the background. Mr. Foster served rural Manitoba and his University with distinction as a policy maker, innovator, decision maker and unobtrusive leader. He was an outstanding pioneer civil servant in the highest sense of the word.
Nominated by the Manitoba Hatchery Association.
Joseph La France
1902 - 1989Joseph La France was born in Pembroke, Ontario in 1902 coming to south-western Manitoba in 1931. He married Jeanne Radoux in 1932. They became parents to six children.
Joe began his 29 year career as Agriculture Representative at St. Pierre in 1931, where his organizational ability, foresight, and imagination quickly won him the respect of the community. Mr. LaFrance immediately began to compile background information on the application of artificial insemination and related operations, gleaning much assistance from established American innovators. In 1945, the A. I Stud Rat Creek Breeders' Co-op was opened with Joe as Administrator. In addition to the A. I. Industry, Joe was the founder of the Diary Herd Improvement Association; established 13 cheese factories in the area; organized the first 4-H Club in the area; organized several pasture improvement projects; established Manitoba's first Credit Union in St. Malo in 1938.
His work with Dairy Cattle centered on the Holstein breed which, in his estimation, was best equipped to produce fluid milk. As a result of his interest in the A. I. Industry, it was natural to introduce this program into the dairy herd concept.
Joe served as President of the Manitoba Artificial Breeding Association; organized the Hanover and La Verendrey Agricultural Societies and the Grunthal Horticultural Society; was President of the Manitoba Agricultural Representatives Association. In 1960, he became Chief of the Extension Service of the Department of Agriculture in Winnipeg, serving until his retirement in 1968.
Mr. La France's aim was to make the farm a better place to live. Through his many endeavors, he most certainly attained his goal in life. He passed away in Winnipeg on September 24th, 1989, at age 87.
Nominated by the Manitoba Semen Distribution Centre and the Rural
Municipality of De Salaberry.
A.E. (Bert) Hall
1920Bert Hall was born in 1920, and was raised on a farm near Manitou. In partnership with his brother, established the first registered turkey hatchery in Manitoba. During the war years, he served in the R.C.A.F., and was married to his wife, Clara. They raised three sons, Derryl, Walter, and Ray.
In 1956, Bert assumed the position of General Manager and director of Manitou Broiler Farms. Ltd. He participated in the organization of the Manitoba Broiler Industry Association, and was chairman. During 1968 the Manitoba Government established a Marketing Plan, Bert was appointed as a Board member and became chairman. He represented Manitoba in the formation of the Canadian Broiler Council, was a member and served two terms as President of the Manitoba Farm Bureau, was a director of the Western Agricultural Conference, a director of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, and of Canfarm, served as the Manitoba representative to the Canadian Marketing Agency, with a term chairman.
Bert was appointed to the Federal Government Ad Hoc Grains Committee, chaired a committee for consultation with producers on a new farm organization, and was provisional chairman of Keystone Agricultural Producers. In 1988 was appointed as a member of the Manitou Natural Products Marketing Council.
For the local community, he served on the School Division Board, as an Arbitrator for school divisions, the Pembina Manitou Health Board, served two terms as Mayor of Manitou, several offices in the United Church, also chaired committees for construction of school, church, arena, and health centre.
Bert's wife and partner of 44 years, Clara died in January 1986. He is now remarried to Beth, and they have their home in Manitou. Bert was honoured with the Queens 25th Anniversary medal. A Distinguished Service award, and Special Medal from the U of M, and a commemorative medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada. Bert's career has been devoted to the betterment of agriculture at both the provincial and national levels. His active leadership and involvement at the local and regional levels have done much to enhance the quality of rural life in Manitoba.
Nominated by: The Manitoba Natural Products Marketing Council ~ 1998
John Stanley Henry
1908 - 1986John Stanley Henry, the eldest son of Charles and Lillian Henry of Oak River, Manitoba, lived all of his life on the family farm. His elementary, junior high, and high school education was privided by the local school. In 1929, he enrolled in the Faculty of Agirculture at the University of Manitoba. He received the Gold Medal for highest academic standing that year, but was unable to continue because of the financial problems of the 1930's. He and his wife Jean (McCrindle) were married in 1943, and raised three children.
In 1953 he built a seed cleaning plant, and his name and reputation for quality grew. He was awarded the designation "Elite" (later known as Select Seed Growers) in 1958, and in 1980, then term "Secan Member" was added. In 1975 he was chosen from the Seed Growers to tour the USSR as a Canadian Ambassador. Because of his knowledge and dedication to good seed, he was given the Outstanding Service Award by the Manitoba Seed Growers Association. In 1981 the Canadina Seed Growers Associaton elected him to the prestigious "Robertson Associates", the highest honour presented to a seed grower.
Mr. J.S. Henry's interests were many. He started a pure bread herd of Shorthorn cattle, and with the assistance of the Brandon Experimental Farm was involved in a cross breeding experiment. He contributed to education for he served as trustee and chairman of the Local and Divisional School Boards. He also served as a councillor for the Municipality. He was a United Church member and supported it by performing many tasks; teacher, superintednent, clerk of the session, member of the Official Board, and Executive Officer of the Presbytery. His enthusiasm for sports; hockey, baseball and curling, included both coaching and playing.
An Oak River plaque and a life memership in the MCA illustrated their recognition of his contributions. Another element of interest that he developed was, the perservation of our heritage. He was on of the Founding Members of the Manitoba Agricultural Hall of Fame.
Stan Henry was well know, and highly respected, for his displayed an execellent example of hig integrity and good citizenship.
Nominated by and sponsored by the Oak River Agricultural Society.
David Gordon Hutchison
February 17, 1913 - October 5, 2002David Gordon Hutchison, son of William and Dora Hutchison, was born in the Rural Municipality of Wallace, and received his elementary education at Montgomery School. Gordon married Eunice Mills on November 28, 1942 and together they raised three children, Russell, Lynn and Cheryl, on the family farm near Virden where the families continue to reside.
In July, 1931, Gordon started his outstanding program with purebred Aberdeen Angus cattle by purchasing four older cows with their calves. This herd was not dispersed until 1981, a period of fifty years. His son, Russell, continues to manage the cattle operation on the home farm. The Avalawn Angus herd became a major force in the industry because of its prowess at shows throughout Western Canada and also at the "Royal" in Toronto. Exhibiting cattle became a way of life for the Hutchisons, where many of their animals won honours at fairs and bull sales.
However, the cow, Ethel Lee, born April 2, 1918, was particularly noteworthy. "Miss Lee" was a major factor in the development of this Angus herd because many of her progeny won honours and ribbons in the show ring. "Bandolier Quiet Lad" received great publicity, based on the "bull in a china shop" legend.
To list the exceptional awards and championships that Gordon acquired during his 50 years of exhibiting cattle would fill volumes. However, it should be noted that an Avalawn bull was a class winner at 18 summer shows in 1972, and that Gordon was the only Manitoba breeder to have a champion bull chosen three consecutive years at the Manitoba Angus Futurity Shows from 1953 - 55.
The outstanding herd of purebred Aberdeen Angus cattle established and developed by the Hutchisons, had been sold throughout Western Canada and Ontario and to foreign markets in the United States, Mexico and Korea. Thus, the Angus breed had been immeasurably improved and propagated through the 50 years of hard work and foresight that Gordon Hutchison exerted on its development.
Besides making major contributions to the cattle industry, his leadership qualities were put to good use in the local area, where he has served actively on the Virden Agricultural Society Board, and worked with 4H youth at showing and judging workshops.
He is an involved family man who is supportive of and committed to his children and grandchildren.
Nominated by A.G. Gabrielle on behalf of the Rural Municipality of Wallace ~ 1996
Susan Gertrude Jasper
1902 - 2002Susan Gertrude Jasper’s (nee Robson) influence is far reaching for she is a woman of many talents. Her career spanned three major areas of interest. She was a school teacher for 1 ½ years, a farmer’s wife from 1922 - 1954, musician and piano teacher for many years, and horticulturist with innate skills.
For thirty-two years she lived on a mixed farm and was very involved in agriculture. She served as secretary of the district for the United Farmers of Manitoba. When she was on the Canadian Federation of Agriculture Board and the Provincial Council of Women, she lobbied Federal and Provincial Cabinets to improve: agricultural conditions, women’s rights, and educational facilities. For nine years she was chosen as the Western Representative on the Canadian Agricultural Board to represent: Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and B.C.
Gertrude, as District Director of the Manitoba Horticultural Association, helped to organize societies in Virden, Melita, Deloraine, and Boissevain. She was also the President of the Provincially based Manitoba Horticultural Society. As a judge of both horticultural displays, she showed her outstanding ability, both locally and internationally.
Gertrude Jasper’s capacity to help others was huge. She was: the Vice-President of the Council of Women, the President of the local Women’s Institute, delegate to two World Conferences, the Associated Women of the World in Toronto, and in Dublin, Ireland, Secretary of the Western Senior Citizen’s Council, and founder of the local Association for the Mentally Retarded, President of the Hart-Cam Community Centre, and of the Museum Committee.
As an organist and music teacher, she was in great demand. Many organizations and many different towns called upon her expertise. She was a Member, and Past Noble Grand of the Rebecca Lodge, and also served as the provincial organist for the organization. In the same way she was a member, Past Matron, and Grant Organist and President, Victoria Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. She was the organist in two local churches, and in addition she taught Sunday School and Junior Choir, in both. She was also involved in the United Church Women and Women’s Auxiliary Organizations, and was chosen to serve as delegate to Presbytery.
Mrs. Jasper has received many honours and awards, because this woman is very generous with her talents. She loves to pass on her knowledge. In summary, Gertrude was a good wife and mother, a dependable community servant, and very interested in helping others.
Nominated by M. Leach, Secretary, on behalf of the Hartney Horticultural Society ~ 1992
John Gordon Baxter Killoh
1903 - 1992Gordon Killoh, was born in the Hamiota Municipality, the youngest of four children of Scottish parents Jane (Baxter) from Aberdeenshire and John Killoh, Banffshire. He received his education at the rural school of Ellenville, and later at the Agricultural College in Winnipeg. He and Edith Rothnie were married, and they raised a family of three daughters, Agnes, Lyla, and Edwina of whom they were justly proud.
Gordon raised shorthorn cattle on the "Ridgeview" farm. Many of the pedigreed animals from there, formed the foundations of the herds in both Canada and USA.. He learned to judge cattle, and was sought out for local fairs and at the larger places. He judged at Brandon, Portage la Prairie, Saskatoon, and Calgary, He also showed cattle at the Toronto Royal.
His interests were many. In 1925 he helped organize a swine club. He taught young people how to judge cattle, and how to take part in public speaking contest. In 1933 he helped to organize the McConnell Calf Club. The next year when the Swine Club was dissolved, he became the leader of the Calf Club and remained with them for eighteen years. He never missed an achievement day nor a local 4-H event.
Mr. Killoh served his community as: a director of the McConnell Pool Elevator, a committee member of the Fat Stock Association, a chairman of the Co-op Board, a member of the Board of Stewards in the McConnell Church, a Board Member of the Hospital from 1940 - 1952, and a school trustee for 10 years. He was chosen as chairman of the McConnell School Board, and also as the president and director of the Hamiota Agricultural Society. He served on the Advisory Board of Agricultural Services for Manitoba. In addition, he was president and director of the Manitoba Shorthorn Association. He has received many honours: the Certificate of Merit from the Faculty of Agriculture of the U of M, Honorary Director Award from the Manitoba Association of Agricultural Societies, and the presentation from the McConnell Fat Stock Association.
Gordon will be remembered for his dedication, wit and wisdom, an apt response for any occasion, and for his hospitality and sincere friendship.
Nominated by Norman Brown on behalf of the Manitoba Shorthorn Association ~ 1994
Arthur Lombaert
1890 - 1965Arthur Lombaert was born on March 6, 1890 in Belgium, immigrating to Canada with his parents in 1906. After spending a year in Quebec, the family moved west to homestead at Mariapolis. Arthur married Rachel Rosier in 1912 and they raised a daughter and a son.
Mr. Lombaert raised purebred Shorthorn cattle, but his true interest was in heavy horses. In 1921, he purchased a purebred Belgian stallion and traveled the country providing many farmers with fine draught offspring.
Arthur raised horses for show, winning top prizes at fairs across the West. He assisted farmers in beginning their own purebred breeding stables. He assisted exhibitors in learning good feeding methods, grooming techniques, and proper foot care, along with halter-breaking and preparing animals for the show ring. He had a special interest in 4-H Clubs and often judging Colt Shows.
He acted on the Selection Committee to select those Manitoba Belgian and Percheron horses which would go to the Toronto Royal; served as a director on the Belgian Horse Breeders' Association of Canada, 1935-40; was a highly respected Judge of all Heavy horse breeds; through Arthur Liffman, a horse dealer in Europe, imported horses from lineage in Canada and the United States.
Arthur canvassed for the 7th Victory Loan in the Rural Municipality of Lorne during the World War II (One Million dollars), served on Town Council of Mariapolis.
Although Arthur gained respect for his contribution in the farming community and on Town council, he earned national and international recognition and reputation as a connaisseur of fine horses. His expertise in the husbandry of the land and horse-breeding he willingly shared with everyone. This had a tremendous impact on farming practices in Canadian West.
Nominated by the Rural Municipality of Argyle.
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