Art DeFehr


Arthur A. DeFehr 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, Canadian Mennonite University, International Development Enterprises, and immigration policy including the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program.

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. He had a highly educated mother and a father who started a major furniture business.

Education

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