Archie Defoort

Archie Defoort

Peacefully at the Notre Dame Foyer on Tuesday January 28, 2003, Mr. Archie Defoort of Cypress River, Manitoba passed away at the age of 86 years.

He leaves to mourn his passing numerous nieces, nephews and step children and their families.  He was the last member of the Hector and Mathilde Defoort family.  He was predeceased by his parents, his first wife Nora and daughter Diane Lynn (1947 - 1962) and second wife Vera in 2001.  He is also predeceased by five brothers and three sister: Joseph, Harry, Mary, Mike, David (George), Madeline, Irene, Walter and all their spouses.

He was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on February 23, 1916 and attended school in Keewatin, Ontario.  He later moved to Cypress with his parents on May 10, 1926 where he finished his education.  He worked for Camille Wytinck in 1931 - 1933.  He then worked for Don Burgess (transfer) in 1933 and 1934.  In 1935 he went to Winnipeg and worked at Modern Dairies until he joined the Royal Canadian Reserve in 1940.

They were transferred to Halifax, N.S. then later to St. Laurent (a destroyer) which was a training vessel stationed in St. John N.B.  He was then transferred to Prince Rupert B.C.  Early in 1944, along with other men, he was sent by troop ship to Scotland and then to Plymouth and Dartmouth in England.  Archie returned to Canada in October of 1945 with and honorable discharge from the Navy.

Upon his arrival he returned to work at Modern Dairies until the spring of 1947. He then returned to Cypress to work with his Dad and brother Walter in the blacksmith and implement business.  In the fall of 1947 he started working for the Wilton Transfer of Cypress, which Archie and his brother Walter purchased in 1948.  He remained in the transfer business until September 1, 1967.  Archie and Nora later moved to Jasper, Alberta along with his brother Dave entering into the Motel business "Pine Bungalows Ltd.".

Archie suffered a stroke and became paralyzed.  But with much strength and determination, Archie regained his mobility.  He married Vera on December 7, 1973 and lived in Victoria B.C. until 1976 when he returned to live in Cypress River.  He made many trips to Gord and Sue's to see the cattle which he really enjoyed.  Archie served on the Credit Union Board and on the Cypress School Board.  In 1995 due to ill health, Vera went to reside in the Notre Dame Foyer.  He moved across the street in the Lodge so he could visit her nearly every day.  In 1998 he also moved into the foyer where he resided until death.  He was very happy there and was glad to call it his home.

With respect for Archie's wishes, cremation has taken place.  Funeral Services will be held in the Notre Dame Foyer Chapel on Saturday February 1, 2003 at 2 p.m.  Interment to follow at the Glencoe Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Notre Dame Foyer, Box 190, Notre Dame de Lourdes, MB  R0G 1M0, or to a charity of choice.

Adam's Funeral Home of Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba in care of arrangements.