The Citizen, 1996-07-19, Page 660 YEARS
McGAVIN FARM EQUIPMENT LTD.
From
Simplicity Mfg. Inc.
We thank you for your past business and look
forward, prospering together in the future.
GR i SS ROOTS
K 0 LEDGE ,
,___ f---- r -T-- 1----
,..._ ,• ,...., ,..
- .....
,
. We Provide Expertise
n We're dedicated to selling n We're
lawn care products exclusively the-sale
• Our staff has years of M We provide
experience in helping you well as
take care of your lawn n We accept
Simplicity products and our dealership go hand
of us are committed to long-term value and
focus on your-lawn care needs. It's that simple.
• Trade's value varies depending upon trade-in
model and condition. Ask for complete details.
Limited time offer. Equiprodot
committed to after-
service
answers as
products
trade-ins*
-in-hand. Both
keeping a clear
ffinsplicik
Outdoor Power
0% interest & no payments until January 1st, 1997 with no down ,7
payment is available to qualified customers with no money down.-
After 1/01/97, Revolving Charge Plan based on 1/36th repayment terms
at prime rate plus 14% APR.
0% Interest u til
January 1997
No Downpayme t
ebates up o
$1,250., on
Selective Model OR
CONG TULATIONS
&. Best Wishes
McGavin's
on your
60th Anniversary
and the official
opening of your
new service area
Thanks for selecting us to be one of your contractors
Van Den Heuvel Construction Ltd.
COMMERCIAL AND AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS
R.R. 2, GODERICH, ONTARIO
Telephone 519-524-9176
Fax 519-524-9240 cAnrIARE
MEMBER
1990
4STEELWAY.
PAGE 6. SALUTE TO McGAVJN'SIJULY 1996
Business gets start on farm
Continued from page 5
electricity.
John was always a pioneer and was the
first to own an automobile, a Ford. He had
the first tractor in the area and also the
first bathroom with toilet in the house. He
was often called upon to judge horses at
fairs and after getting out of horses began
shipping cattle and hogs for the United
Farmers Co-operative and later, in the
general market irr Toronto. He continued
in this business until he was over 80 years
old.
Estella's sudden death brought an end to
a happy union and ended the first
generation of McGavins on their
McKillop farm.
During this period of time, Gordon had
become interested in plowing and won
many prizes, including the Canadian
Championship in match competition. He
kept up this interest all his life, being a
long-time director and president of the
Ontario Plowmen's Association for four
yet. •
G • .tu ,i married Florence Elizabeth
Sift, from Brussels and took over the
farm continued to live in his home.
He cis- xl good health and continued to
ship cattle and hogs for a good many
years.
After his 95th birthday, March 7, he
broke his hip. That following, July, he
passed away. The very large funeral from
his home showed that he was greatly
respected by many people from many
areas.
Life went. on for Gordon and Florence,
and their three children, John Stewart,
Gordon Neil and Elizabeth Anne. _
Gordon, who had always been interested
in all forms of mechanics, started a small
business in farm equipment at the farm.
The business grew rapidly and before
long, more space was required so a site in
Walton was bought with a small building
as office and work space in 1950. The
business grew and when the Walton
school was closed, McGavins purchased it
in 1962.
Both Neil and John continued their
education at what is now the University of
Guelph. John obtained.a degree in Civil
Engineering, Neil took the two-year
course in agriculture returning to the home
farm and the machinery business.
Elizabeth chose teaching as a career.
Several ponds were dug on the farm and
the cold spring water was conducive to
raising fish, so for a number of years,
Gordon had the pond stocked with
rainbow trout, which proved to be an
interesting and gratifying hobby for some
years. Gordon was a member of the
Seaforth District High School Board for
14 years, a member of the Ontario
Plowmen's Association and briefly
Continued on page 7