Arthur A. DeFehr OC OM (born November 10, 1942)[1] is a Canadian businessman with investments in real estate and Palliser Furniture.[2] He also was involved in initiating the Canadian Foodgrains Bank,[3] LCC International University, Canadian Mennonite University, International Development Enterprises, and immigration policy including the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program.
Early life
DeFehr was born in 1942 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada in a Mennonite family. Both his parents were refugees from the Soviet Union who came to Canada in the 1920s.[4][failed verification] He had a highly educated mother and a father who started a major furniture business.[5]
Education
- High school: Mennonite Brethren Collegiate
- University of Manitoba: Initial studies in science but graduated in 1964 with a Business degree.[6] Awarded the Isbister Scholarship for academic performance.
- Goshen College: Graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.[7]
- Harvard Business School: Graduated in 1967 with a two-year MBA. Awards included first year Baker Scholar.
Business career
DeFehr returned to Winnipeg and the family business following his 1967 graduation from Harvard.[8][failed verification]. DeFehr became CEO[9] of the family enterprises in 1984 and purchased the part of the business that became Palliser Furniture[10] in 1996. Real estate represents his other major business interest.
Awards
- Officer of the Order of Canada[11] – 2004
- Order of Manitoba – 2011[12]
- Honorary Doctorate of Laws – University of Manitoba 1998
- Honorary Doctorate of Laws – University College of Cape Breton – 2002
- Honorary Diploma – Red River College – 2003[13]
- Goshen College – Alumni Award – 2011[14]
- Entrepreneur of the Year – Manitoba Business Magazine – 2000
- Prairie Lifetime Achievement Award – Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year program – 2001[15]
- Canadian Manufacturers Hall of Fame – 2009[16]
- Canadian Home Furnishings Alliance – Lifetime Achievement Award[17] – 2012
- Spirit of Life Award – City of Hope (National Home Furnishings Industry Humanitarian Award)[18]
References
- ^ "International affairs his true calling". Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved August 18, 2014.
- ^ "Palliser furniture goes platinum". Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved August 22, 2014.
- ^ "Art DeFehr (Art DeFehr, CEO of Palliser Furniture and founding chair of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank)". Retrieved July 31, 2014.
- ^ "Defying Trend, Canada Lures More Migrants". The New York Times. Retrieved November 12, 2010.
- ^ "Art DeFehr (Palliser CEO has touched lives around the world)". Furniture Today. April 2003. Retrieved April 1, 2013.
- ^ "University of Manitoba". Retrieved August 3, 2014.
- ^ "Goshen College". 4 January 1965. Retrieved August 3, 2014.
- ^ "WE BUILD VALUE WITH VALUES". Palliser Furniture. Retrieved August 4, 2014.
- ^ "Quintet set for biz hall (Inductees reflect diversity of Manitoba enterprise)". Retrieved January 31, 2015.
- ^ "Palliser Furniture Upholstery". Palliser Furniture. Retrieved August 4, 2014.
- ^ "Furniture Today". 2 February 2004. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
- ^ "Canada gives DeFehr highest honor". Furniture Today. 16 August 2011. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
- ^ "Honorary Diploma 2003" (PDF). Red River College. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 7, 2014. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
- ^ "Six notable Goshen College alumni are honored with awards during Homecoming Weekend". Retrieved July 24, 2014.
- ^ "DeFehr honored as entrepreneur". Furniture Today. 3 December 2001. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
- ^ "2009 Hall of Fame Announcements". Canadian Manufacturers. Archived from the original on August 8, 2014. Retrieved June 2, 2014.
- ^ "Canadian Home Furnishings Alliance To Host Canadian Home Furnishings Awards". Furniture World. Archived from the original on August 11, 2014. Retrieved June 2, 2014.
- ^ "City of Hope salutes DeFehr, Capo family". Furniture Today. 27 October 2003. Retrieved May 15, 2014.
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