Gordon, Robert (Bob) Henry

Robert (Bob) Henry Gordon, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully with his family by his side on July 29, 2016, in Boissevain, Manitoba, Canada. Bob was born November 13, 1932, in Oak Lake, Manitoba 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 of Brandon, MB; Shirley Kaufman (BC Derrow) of Mt Sydney, VA; Sheila (Kevin) Jensen of Courtland, KS; B. Lynn Gordon of Brookings, SD; Bruce (Kindra) Gordon of Whitewood, SD.; and ten loving 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, Manitoba, and many nieces and nephews.

Growing up in the 30’s, Bob loved the country lifestyle and farm life and at an early age he had a dream of becoming a registered livestock breeder. His interest in 4-H started as a young boy and continued throughout his lifetime.  He exhibited his first steer at the Brandon Winter Fair in 1946 and sold him for $0.16/lb. Bob’s determination to show steers resulted in him riding in the rail box car 1,500 miles to the Toronto Royal Show in Ontario to exhibit steers.

Bob’s family moved to Souris, MB in 1955 to the Hume farm which became their homestead. He married Joyce (Honeyman) of Hayfield, MB in 1959. In 1961, his family was in the dairy business shipping milk for 10 years.  Then Bob and his brother Wayne formed Kinnaber Cattle Co., establishing their Shorthorn operation. Bob took a risk purchasing a large framed white Shorthorn bull “TPS Coronet Leader 21st”, who generated a new era in the Shorthorn Breed.  Bob was named “Builder of the Shorthorn Breed” in 1970, an honor he always cherished. He was instrumental in forming the Canadian Shorthorn Lassie Organization and served as director and president of the Manitoba Shorthorn Club. The Shorthorn days were exciting times for Bob, leading the Gordon’s to become regular suppliers of Shorthorn bulls to large American ranches. One of  Bob’s proudest accomplishments was breeding and exhibiting the Grand Champion Female at the prestigious National Western Stock Show, Denver, CO, (1969, 1970, 1971), along with Reserve Champion Female (1970, 1971), plus showing champions at Chicago International Livestock Show in 1968 and 1969. Bob was honored to judge many livestock shows including the Canadian Western Agribition, Toronto Royal, many 4-H achievement days and U.S. state fairs.

After traveling to the Midland Test Station, Billings, MT in 1968, Bob saw the first half-blood bull and anticipated the need for Simmental cattle in Canada. In 1969, Bar-5 Simmentals, Brandon, MB, was formed with Bob as the first president. Bar-5 Simmentals seedstock became sought after across North America. At this time, Bob initiated the importation of Simmental cattle from Europe. Achilles Cattle Co., a marketing group was formed and Bob was hired 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 developed and together as a family they logged many miles showing at junior and Hereford shows across Canada. Bob strongly believed in youth and during his role as director on the Canadian Hereford Association Board, he initiated the formation of the Canadian Junior Hereford Association (CJHA) and hosted the inaugural CJHA event at Kinnaber on August 12, 1979.  Kinnaber Cattle Co., became well-known for breeding top Hereford cattle and the family enjoyed many years in the Hereford breed, but dispersed the herd in 1983 as the children started their college education.

Bob was intrigued by the Angus breed and developed a small herd he enjoyed. Then with his astute cattle knowledge of all breeds, Bob was named “Sire Selector and Manager of the Beef Program for Western Breeders and Alta Genetics, Balzac, AB,” in 1985. Together, Bob and Joyce travelled Canada, the U.S., and Europe extensively seeking breed leading herdsires in the beef industry that were right for the times. Through their travels they developed lifelong friendships in the cattle business.

November 12, 1995, Bob was inducted into the Canadian Agriculture Hall of Fame and in 2007; Bob and Joyce together were inducted into the Manitoba Agricultural Hall of Fame for their contribution to agriculture and the beef industry.

Bob demonstrated a lifelong commitment to advancement of agriculture and served as role model for others. He served on many boards and associations, such as the Manitoba Cattle Producers Association, which initiated the Douglas Bull Test Station, where his foresight and involvement along with his fellow cattlemen helped to move the cattle industry forward.

For years, many cattlemen encouraged Bob to write about his cattle knowledge. In 2003 Bob and Joyce wrote, “A Cattleman’s Walk Down Memory Lane”, chronicling their lifelong experiences in farming and the livestock industry.

Bob and Joyce retired to Boissevain in 2008.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, mother-and-father-in law Rosella and Findlay Honeyman and brother-in-law, Keith Honeyman.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Funeral service will be held at Central United Church 327- 8th Street Brandon, Manitoba on Friday, August 5, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. followed by lunch and time for fellowship at the Church.

Private interment in the Souris & Glenwood Cemetery.

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.

Flowers may also be ordered from Growers Direct, Brandon (204) 727-7673.

54 thoughts on “Gordon, Robert (Bob) Henry”

  1. Sorry to read of Bob’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.

  2. Deepest condolences as you mourn the loss of your loved one. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

  3. So sorry to hear about your father He was a great man in the cattle industry someone to look up too as well being honest along with integrity glad to have the opportunity to know him as well you Bruce my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time may God Bless You and yours

  4. Joyce & family,
    Our sincere sympathies to you and your family on the loss of Bob.

  5. So very sorry for the loss of your dear dad, Lynn. May you be comforted by your many wonderful memories.

    Praying for you and your family,
    Rae & Amanda Powell

  6. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. So sorry to hear about your father

  7. THE GORDON FAMILY HAS MY CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THEIR HUSBAND, FATHER, AND GRANDFATHER. HE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY PEOPLE IN THE CATTLE INDUSTRY! MY CONDOLENCES!

  8. Prayers to all of the family. At a young age, I was always impressed with Bob expert advise in cattle. At true cattleman. He knew the importance of quality cattle for the industry. A legacy he taught his children that will last a lifetime in the cattle industry.

  9. So sorry to hear of Bobs passing,my sincere condolences to all the family.

  10. Sending prayers and our condolences on the loss of your father.

  11. So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Our thoughts are with all the Gordons and their families at this time

  12. Sheila, Kevin, and Family —
    So sorry for the loss of your Dad. Cherish every memory. May God wrap His arms around each of you and bring you comfort and peace. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you during this difficult time.

  13. My condolences to the family. Bob left quite an impact on the direction of the Shorthorn breed with his futuristic thinking back in the late 60s and 70s. Most progressive herds today can trace back to the Kinnaber prefix in at least a few animals.

  14. Sorry to learn of Bob’s passing. Be kind to yourselves, as you readjust in life. Hugs to all!

  15. Bob was a man who could spot a great one regardless of breed “at first site”. And they had to have great performance or he wouldn’t use them. Rest in Peace.

  16. Our condolences to the Bob Gordon Family. Bob had an eye for cattle and was passionate about improving cattle genetics as his legacy on this earth. May you find comfort in knowing he is resting in peace. God Bless.

  17. Thinking of you all with deepest sympathy. Please let us know how we can help. Praying for your comfort and peace from the great memories. Love, Tabby, Joe and Samantha Moore

  18. Our condolences go out to Joyce, Lois, Blair, Brett, Melisa and the entire Gordon family.
    I have always felt fortunate to know Bob as a friend and as a wealth of information on the cattle industry and the seed stock industry in particular. The cattle industry has seen the passing of an icon.
    May he rest in peace.

  19. Bruce, Our most sincere condolences to you and your family in the passing of your father. He will be remembered by many. He left his mark on the cattle industry.
    Joe and Myrna Deans

  20. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joyce and the entire family.It was an honor to get to know Bob, rub shoulders and mentor this great cattleman. Bob’s knowledge, experience, and vision was so profound it almost needs no mention. It was his willingness and candid ability to always help others that was really special ! Thank You Joyce for always getting him to the ranch.
    The real testament of a man is the family they leave behind, we’ve been so blessed to get to know you. We’ll miss him dearly, and mourn your loss !
    May God keep and comfort you all !

  21. Joyce and Family,
    So sorry for your loss of Bob this week. Even though I only met him a few times growing up, I felt like I knew him well after hearing so many stories from all of the kids and grand kids about his many ventures in the cattle business. He will be missed by many, but also remembered for years to come.
    May he rest in peace,
    Melissa, Brandon and Blair Buehler
    Fairbury, NE

  22. Lynn,
    Our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family in your dad’s passing. He is now at peace in God’s comfort and care. May your loving memories of your time with him sustain and carry you through this difficult time.
    Prayers, love and hugs to you all,
    Pat and Nancy White
    Morris, MN

  23. Our sympathy goes out to Robert Gordon family at this time of loss. Bob will be remembered for his great contribution to agriculture thru his works and the creation of an outstanding family.

  24. My condolences go out to Joyce and and the entire family. May Bob rest in peace

  25. Dear Joyce and family,
    Our sincere sympathy to all of you. From our first experience in purebred Shorthorn cattle – (Bob was order buyer for our first sale entry and sent the bull to OK) – to recent cattle events he has been a significant presence.
    He lived a very full and active life, enjoyed the opportunities to connect with many interesting and influential people, raised a family that are making their own mark, and was well respected for his cattle skills. May you treasure many happy memories. God Bless.

  26. We would like to extend our condolences to Joyce and family. Bob was the promoter of the cattle business between the Philpott and Gordon family years. Dad “Edgar” always told us that Bob sure knew how to show an animal in the ring when competing. Edgar always appreciated that Bob and Joyce could generate such great enthusiasm and yet always did it with integrity. Bob accomplished some feats in business that few people in the world have. You always walked away thinking you had spent some time with some really great people. Kind and caring people!

    Sincerely, The Philpott families
    Vionne, Florence, Rosalie and Bill

  27. Bruce & Kindra,
    We are really sad to hear that Bob passed away. It’s such a bummer to lose your dad, your father-in-law and the kid’s grandpa! We are glad, though, that Bruce was able to be by his side in those last few days and that he is a comfort to his mother and family
    We are thinking about you this week and sending our love from South Dakota.
    – CBe&n.

  28. Dear Joyce and Family:
    Bob had a clear vision of the profitable beef industry and shared that vision with many beef producers thought the world. It was a real privilege to share thoughts with him. May he rest in peace.
    Ron and Lois Bieber

  29. Condolences to Joyce and family.
    Bob was a neighbour and friend. Always interested and curious about everything.
    Our prayers are with the family as you journey forward but are strengthened by God’s love and by the memories.

  30. Joyce and family: Our thoughts are with you all at this time of sorrow. Bob was always an industry leader and all around ‘good guy’.

  31. Dear Joyce and families ,we are so sorry to hear of Bobs passing he will be greatly missed in many walks of life especially the cattle industry.Thoughts are with you and yours

  32. Please accept our condolences in the death of Bob. He was a legend in his time and will be remembered by people far and wide.. Our thoughts are with you thru this sad time .Evelyn Skinner and Jerry Carlisle

  33. Dear Joyce & Family, I am sad to hear of Bob’s passing. He was a distinguished member of the cattle industry and will be missed. My sincere sympathy to all at this difficult time,
    Karen Oliver

  34. So sorry for your loss, Lois, Blair, Brett and MM.
    He left you with many fond memories and hold them dear to you!

  35. Joyce my sincere sympathy goes out to you and your family. May the happy memories you have of Bob shine through this difficult period,My thoughts and prayers are with you .

  36. Dear Joyce and families so sorry to hear of Bobs passing ,he will be greatly missed ,our thoughts are with you and yours ……..Alberta and Ed Neufeld
    Standard AB

  37. Mrs. Gordon, and Gordon family members:
    I was saddened to learn of Bob’s passing, and extend my deepest sympathies to you at this time.

    Bob was a one-of-a-kind cattleman. Never content with standing still, he was always looking for ways to work improvement into cattle herds all across North America. Your visits to our farm were always special, I think about them as I write this and give thanks for you and Bob spending time with me.

    May God Bless you all.

  38. Dear Joyce, Lois, Sheila, Shirley, Bruce, and Lynne & extended families
    It is with great sadness that we extend our sincere condolences to members of the Gordon family. It is well documented the contributions and impact that Bob ,along with his wife Joyce, made to all facets of the livestock industry. The unbelievable foresight that he had will be equaled by few. Outside of the beef industry, Bob had a humanitarian side, and always took an interest in other peoples lives and endeavors, and was the first to offer words of encouragement to others.
    His legacy will be felt for generations to come.
    Sincerely Dennis & Hazel Nevin

  39. To Joyce and the family,
    Bob and Joyce epitomized what Tom Brokaw called the Greatest Generation. His vision, character, mentoring, and leadership has left a great legacy in our industry. He had a great eye for cattle and breeding trends that would move this industry that he loved in a positive direction.
    I always looked forward to our long visits at Denver Stockshow, it was truly a highlight for me each year.
    I will also remember him for his love of his family. Don’t believe we ever visited where something wasn’t noted about what his children were doing. He was very proud of them and blessed with Joyce. Bob was a gift to all of us
    God bless

  40. with sympathy ,thinking of you all, at this time of sorrow .Bob, was a great cattleman,showman an a leader in the livestock industry in Canada. Thanks for the great friendship to our family over the years ,and with dad over the years in the cattle industry from Shorthorn cattle to the newer cattle breeds at the time in the early 70;s. and then to the cattle —Simmental’s etc. thanks for being their when my dad’s passing and sharing the stories of cattle to me and my brother, and just being a good friend to our family over the years. Its been a honor to know such a Man as Bob Gordon thank you from William Thompson /Jack Dorthy Thompson’s eldest son.Grande Cache.Alberta

  41. To Joyce & Family,
    We were sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Although we haven’t seen him much in recent years, my dad appreciated his interest and recognition of the potential of our Shorthorns at Green Bluff Farm. Together, he and my dad enjoyed a measure of success with our cattle for a few years. I also appreciated that Bob took me on the show circuit one summer while I was in high school. It helped stimulate my interest in genetic improvement, although I ended up working on barley variety development instead of beef cattle!

    With our deepest sympathy,
    Bill & Ellen Legge
    Brandon, MB

  42. Our sincere condolences go out to the entire Gordon family and their extended families on the loss of their husband, father, grandfather and mentor to many.
    Bob Gordon was one of the most knowledgeable cattleman we had the privilege of knowing and conducting business with. Among others, a most memorable was his willingness to share his thoughts and ideas with others.
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
    Bob & Heather Miller & family
    Kamloops, BC

  43. Bruce and Family,
    Sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.

  44. Joyce, Bruce and the rest of the family, sorry to learn of Bob’s passing. I certainly enjoyed the visits with Bob over the years – he always had both the cattle and the people figured out “right on” . He always treated me well and we’re glad to see such a nice family to continue on the highly respected reputation.

  45. Old friend of my Dad and Mom(John/Mildred), a terrific cattleman and judge.
    Our sympathy to Joyce and family.

  46. My condolences to Joyce and the kids. I had just gotten to know Bob, and I really connected with him.  He was full of stories about cattle and family.  The part that really was apparent was how proud he was of his family.  He would get a twinkle in his eye and his face would light up as soon as he started talking about his family.  I miss him already. Huge hugs to all of you!

  47. Lynn,

    I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers as you travel through this very difficult time. Your Dad was a pioneer in his industry and achieved a lifetime of success. What a beautifully written obituary. Many blessings, Robyn.

  48. Just heard about the recent passing of Bob, my sincere condolences to Joyce and to the Gordon family.
    May Bob RIP !

  49. my sympathy to you and your family Joyce , family really helps at this time sorry i didn,t attend the service as i just heard today.

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