Art DeFehr

Arthur A. DeFehr OC OM (born November 10, 1942) is a Canadian involved in business, humanitarian[1] and philanthropic issues. His business interests include Palliser Furniture,[2] 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,[3] LCC International University (Klaipeda, Lithuania), Canadian Mennonite University, International Development Enterprises, and immigration policy including the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program.

Art DeFehr OC OM
DeFehr in 2012
Born	Arthur DeFehr November 10, 1942 Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Alma mater	Harvard University, Goshen College, University of Manitoba
Occupation	Business and humanitarian interests
Known for	Business, international development initiatives, education initiatives
Spouse(s)	Leona DeFehr
Children	Two
Website	artdefehr.com

Early life

DeFehr was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, 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.[4] 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] He has been involved in that business and related companies to this day. 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

1. "International affairs his true calling". Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved August 18, 2014.
2. "Palliser furniture goes platinum". Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved August 22, 2014.
3. "Art DeFehr (Art DeFehr, CEO of Palliser Furniture and founding chair of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank)". Retrieved July 31, 2014.
4. "Defying Trend, Canada Lures More Migrants". The New York Times. Retrieved November 12, 2010.
5. "Art DeFehr (Palliser CEO has touched lives around the world)". Furniture Today. Retrieved April 1, 2013.
6. "University of Manitoba". Retrieved August 3, 2014.
7. "Goshen College". Retrieved August 3, 2014.
8. "WE BUILD VALUE WITH VALUES". Palliser Furniture. Retrieved August 4, 2014.
9. "Quintet set for biz hall (Inductees reflect diversity of Manitoba enterprise)". Retrieved January 31, 2015.
10. "Palliser Furniture Upholstery". Palliser Furniture. Retrieved August 4, 2014.
11. "Furniture Today". Retrieved July 20, 2014.
12. "Canada gives DeFehr highest honor". Furniture Today. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
13. "Honorary Diploma 2003" (PDF). Red River College. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 7, 2014. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
14. "Six notable Goshen College alumni are honored with awards during Homecoming Weekend". Retrieved July 24, 2014.
15. "DeFehr honored as entrepreneur". Furniture Today. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
16. "2009 Hall of Fame Announcements". Canadian Manufacturers. Archived from the original on August 8, 2014. Retrieved June 2, 2014.
17. "Canadian Home Furnishings Alliance To Host Canadian Home Furnishings Awards". Furniture World. Archived from the original on August 11, 2014. Retrieved June 2, 2014.
18. "City of Hope salutes DeFehr, Capo family". Furniture Today. Retrieved May 15, 2014.