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Art DeFehr

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Full Name
  
Arthur DeFehr

Name
  
Art DeFehr

Website
  
www.ArtDeFehr.com

Children
  
Two

Spouse(s)
  
Leona DeFehr


Art DeFehr httpsuploadwikimediaorgwikipediacommons11

Born
  
November 10, 1942 (age 81) (
1942-11-10
)
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Residence
  
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Occupation
  
Business and humanitarian interests

Known for
  
Business, international development initiatives, education initiatives

Alma mater
  
Harvard University, Goshen College, University of Manitoba

Arthur A. DeFehr (born November 10, 1942) is a Canadian involved in business, humanitarian and philanthropic issues. His business interests include Palliser Furniture, industrial real estate and various enterprises over the years. He has been involved in humanitarian roles and projects over the years including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Somalia, Ethiopia and the Soviet Union. Organizations where he played a major initiating role include the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, LCC International University (Klaipeda, Lithuania), Canadian Mennonite University, International Development Enterprises, and immigration policy including the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program.

Contents

Early life

DeFehr was born and raised in Winnipeg, Canada in a Mennonite community with its origins in Russia and the Netherlands. Both parents had been refugees and this colored his values and experiences. He had a highly educated mother and a father who started a major furniture business.

Education

  • High school: Mennonite Brethren Collegiate
  • University of Manitoba: Initial studies in science but graduated in 1964 with a Business degree. Awarded the Isbister Scholarship for academic performance.
  • Goshen College: Graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.
  • 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. He has been involved in that business and related companies to this day. DeFehr became CEO of the family enterprises in 1984 and purchased the part of the business that became Palliser Furniture in 1996. Real estate represents his other major business interest.

    Awards

  • Officer of the Order of Canada – 2004
  • Order of Manitoba – 2011
  • Honorary Doctorate of Laws – University of Manitoba 1998
  • Honorary Doctorate of Laws – University College of Cape Breton – 2002
  • Honorary Diploma – Red River College – 2003
  • Goshen College – Alumni Award – 2011
  • Entrepreneur of the Year – Manitoba Business Magazine – 2000
  • Prairie Lifetime Achievement Award – Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year program – 2001
  • Canadian Manufacturers Hall of Fame – 2009
  • Canadian Home Furnishings Alliance – Lifetime Achievement Award – 2012
  • Spirit of Life Award – City of Hope (National Home Furnishings Industry Humanitarian Award)
  • References

    Art DeFehr Wikipedia