Robert GORDON

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

GORDON: Robert (Bob) Henry Gordon, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully with family by his side July 29, 2016, at Evergreen Place, Boissevain, MB. Bob was born November 13, 1932, in Oak Lake, MB to the late Henry and Ella (Ronberg) Gordon. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Joyce of Boissevain; his children Lois (Blair) McRae, Brandon, MB; Shirley Kaufman (BC Derrow), Mt. Sidney, VA; Sheila (Kevin) Jensen, Courtland, KS; B. Lynn Gordon, Brookings, SD; Bruce (Kindra) Gordon, Whitewood, SD.; ten grandchildren Brett and Melissa McRae, Cole Kaufman, Brady, Brooke and Ben Jensen, Bridger, Danika, Matea, and Bennett Gordon; one brother Wayne (Eleanor) Gordon and sister Cheryl (Don) Brown both of Souris, MB. Growing up in the 30’s, Bob loved the country and farm lifestyle, 4-H, and at an early age he had a dream of becoming a registered livestock breeder. In 1946, Bob exhibited his first steer at Royal Manitoba Winter Fair in Brandon and continued showing livestock there for more than four decades and then showed at Denver, Chicago, Toronto Royal, Ag-Ex, Canadian Western Agribition, World Angus and Hereford Shows until his retirement. Bob’s family moved to Souris, MB in 1955 to the Hume farm. He married Joyce (Honeyman) of Hayfield, MB in 1959. In 1961, his family was in the dairy business shipping milk for 10 years. Bob and his brother Wayne formed Kinnaber Cattle Co., establishing a Shorthorn operation. Bob was named “Builder of the Shorthorn Breed” in 1970. He was instrumental in forming the Canadian Shorthorn Lassie Organization and president and director of the Manitoba Shorthorn Club. Kinnaber won three consecutive Grand Champion Females and two Reserve Grand Champions between 1969 and 1971, at the esteemed National Western Stock Show in Denver and two Champions at the 1968 and 1969 Chicago International. Bob judged many livestock shows including the Agribition, Toronto Royal, many 4-H achievement days and U.S. state fairs. While serving on the Manitoba Cattle Producers Board, Bob and fellow cattlemen initiated the Douglas Bull Test Station in the late 60s. In 1969, Bob served as the first president and founding partner of Bar- 5 Simmentals, Brandon, MB. Bob initiated the importation of Simmental cattle from Europe. Achilles Cattle Co. hired Bob as manager to promote and sell Simmental semen all over the world. In the 70’s, the Hereford herd was established when his children’s love for showing cattle begun. While serving as director of the Canadian Hereford Association, Bob initiated the formation of the Canadian Junior Hereford Association (CJHA) hosting the inaugural youth event at Kinnaber in 1979. Bob was intrigued by the Angus breed and developed a small herd in the 80’s. His experience with multiple breeds lead him to be named Sire Selector and Manager of the Beef Program for Western Breeders / Alta Genetics, Balzac, AB, in 1985. Bob was inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame in 1995. In 2007, Bob and Joyce together were inducted into the Manitoba Agricultural Hall of Fame for their contribution to agriculture and the beef industry. In 2003, Bob and Joyce wrote, “A Cattleman’s Walk Down Memory Lane”, a book chronicling their lifelong experiences in farming and livestock industry. Bob and Joyce retired to Boissevain in 2008. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, father- and-mother- in-law Findlay and Rosella Honeyman and brother -in-law, Keith Honeyman. Bob’s family will remember - A true stockman never dies, he's just selected by the best judge of all.  In memory of Bob, donations may be made to Bob Gordon Memorial Fund with proceeds going to youth and agriculture endeavors, Box 605, Boissevain, Manitoba, R0K 0E0.

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 13, 2016