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GORDON (GORDIE) PERCY DEFOORT
Born: Oct 01, 1938
Date of Passing: Nov 23, 2019
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryGORDON (GORDIE) PERCY DEFOORT
October 1, 1938 - November 23, 2019
It is with great sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father, grandpa and great-grandpa, Gordon DeFoort, on November 23, 2019 at the age of 81 years. He passed away doing what he loved most.
Gordon was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Madeline, in-laws, Ed and Violet Gosselin, son Walter, and sister Judy.
Gordon will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 56 years, Frances; sons, Lawrie and Dennis; grandchildren, Dustilee (TJ), Desmond (Meghan), Shelby (Quentin), Colby, Carter and Donovan; great-grandchildren, Brendan, Josh, Aiden, Abel, Aarron, Lily, Kasey, Chase, Bostyn, Xander and Remi; sister Margie, along with many more family and friends.
Gordon was born in Winnipeg, MB. He was the oldest of three children where they grew up on the family dairy farm in Giroux, MB. In his younger years, he was a mechanic and also did some roofing. Gordon met his loving wife Frances and were married November 30, 1963. They moved to Ashern, MB and started their little family.
One of Gordon's greatest passions in life was his love for horses. It all started when he was young and working at rodeos, horse shows and with race horses. Gordon had many different kinds of buggies. He never missed a local parade and never turned down a wedding. Gordon passed down his love for horses to all three of his sons who continued to do as he did and help him along the way.
Gordon took on his love for trucking at a young age where he worked for many different companies. In 1988 he bought his first business from Steven Johnson and St. Martin Transfer and started DeFoort Livestock Transport. Gordon travelled many miles over the winter roads, throughout Manitoba and Ontario. He took a lot of pride in growing the family business with his wife, sons and grandson to make it what it is today.
Gordon also had many other hidden talents such as working with leather. He has made many belts through the years and it was his goal to finish a set of chaps. He also had a knack for woodworking and made canes from diamond willow. Gordon also made other little projects with wood.
The family would like to extend thanks to all his loyal customers and employees, and are looking forward to continuing doing business with you.
In keeping with Gordon's wishes, cremation has taken place.
His family invites everyone to a gathering to celebrate Gordon's life at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at the Ashern Centennial Hall with Dawn Tober officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ashern Rodeo Board Inc., P.O. Box 777, Ashern, MB R0C 0E0.
Arrangements by:
ARNASON FUNERAL HOME
Ashern - Lundar
1-204-768-2072
1-866-323-3593
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 30, 2019
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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I met Gord and his wife at my husband Dennis and my son Joel's service in April 2019. I am not sure how we are related but I was deeply touched by their attendance to our service for my son and beloved husband. God bless your family. I wish we could have met earlier in our lives. Sincerely Mary-anne Defoort - Posted by: Mary-anne Defoort (Some how my husband was related to Gord) on: Dec 04, 2019
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I just returned from a holiday to hear this very sad news. The DeFoort family were an institution in the community. Gordon worked hard and supported so many causes. Frances not only babysat, she volunteered more hours than we can count. Their children went to school with our children and were good friends. RIP Gordon and may this family have many good memories of a wonderful Dad and Husband. Eileen Davidson - Posted by: Eileen Davidson (Friend ) on: Dec 03, 2019
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Our deepest condolences to Frannie, Lawrie & Dennis & all the family. Gordon will always be remembered as a quiet, unassuming gentleman cowboy. If you were fortunate to be around when the music spoke to him, watching Gordie "jig" was a sight to behold. The joy that radiated from him was infectious! Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. - Posted by: Deney & Andy Wojtowicz (Cousins) on: Dec 02, 2019
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I am so sorry for your loss. I remember when you and Frances and Gordon first met it was love at first sight. My Condolences to you and all your family. - Posted by: Marg Melnick (Reiser) (friend) on: Dec 01, 2019
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My deepest sympathy to Frances, Lawrie, Dennis and family. Gordon was a good man who worked hard and will always be known as a soft spoken, quiet man. He will be missed by many. Sending love and prayers. - Posted by: Ann Gislason (long time aquaintance) on: Dec 01, 2019
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Gord will be greatly missed by all those who worked with and knew him. His great smile and pleasant outgoing nature allowed him to overcome the most difficult of situations and persevere, even with the tough spots that the cattle could present from time to time. My first recollections of Gord were on the trip moving cattle for my parents from Treherne to Fisher Branch in 1982. Even at the age of seven, Gord left a great impression. He hauled straw to Ashern and cattle for my family and I many times over the following years. The annual visits on shipping days always included a happy exchange with Gord. Condolences to the family and knowledge that Gordie will be remembered well. Don Green - Posted by: Don Green (Customer, friend) on: Nov 30, 2019
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Our thoughts are with all of the family during this very sad time. Gord hauled many loads of cattle for us and was well liked by all. Take Care God Bless Steve, Willaim, Trevor, Stuart Melnychuk of Silver, Manitoba - Posted by: Melnychuk Farms (customer) on: Nov 30, 2019
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Shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Gordie Defoort who hauled pasture cattle for us for years as well as other jobs that required a large tractor trailer unit and the level of skill and endurance that Gordon had plenty of. He was such a good person that would help out no matter how tough the job. I remember while working along side him moving cattle telling him how hard it is for me to get ahead of all the work He just turned to me and smiled with that twinkle in his eyes and quietly said “just work longer days” Advice I still treasure to this day as stamina and perseverance is exactly what it takes to be a champion in life like Gordon and to do it with such grace making it look easy Gordon was good with the cattle and the cattle liked him he knew their ways and enjoyed the work We will always miss Gordon and his helpful advice and humour he was a person that was easy to like Our most sincere condolences to Frances and family for your loss - Posted by: George Batten (Friend ) on: Nov 30, 2019
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Sending sincere condolences to Frances and family.We are blessed to have known The Defoort family from the time we came to Ashern.Watched.the boys ride their horses in the horse club and our son Gord became friends with Laurie and Dennis through working at Texaco.Fran also babysat Kelly and Kendell and I will never forget it was Sat. She looked after them and Kelly was so excited as she got to ride in the big truck.Fran also babysat Kelly's son Kasyn.At that time I noticed that this was a family bussiness too as Gordon and boys would be very helpful when all these precious children were being dropped off and picked up.The Gordon Defoort family are a loving family and will miss Gordon very much.Cherish the memories and RIP Gordon. - Posted by: Larry and Karen Williamson (Friend) on: Nov 30, 2019
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Sincere condolences extended to Frances and family! - Posted by: Charlotte Craig (Friend) on: Nov 30, 2019
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