John Gordon Baxter Killoh was born in the Hamiota Municipality, the youngest of four children of Scottish parents Jane (Baxter) from Aberdeenshire and John Killoh, Banffshire. He received his education at the rural school of Ellenville, and later at the Agricultural College in Winnipeg. He and Edith Rothnie were married, and they raised a family of three daughters, Agnes, Lyla, and Edwina of whom they were justly proud.
Gordon raised shorthorn cattle on the “Ridgeview” farm. Many of the pedigreed animals from there formed the foundations of the herds in both Canada and USA. He learned to judge cattle and was sought out for local fairs and at the larger places. He judged at Brandon, Portage la Prairie, Saskatoon, and Calgary. He also showed cattle at the Toronto Royal.
His interests were many. In 1925 he helped organize a swine club. He taught young people how to judge cattle and how to take part in public speaking contest. In 1933 he helped to organize the McConnell Calf Club. The next year when the Swine Club was dissolved, he became the leader of the Calf Club and remained with them for eighteen years. He never missed an achievement day nor a local 4-H event.
Mr. Killoh served his community as: a director of the McConnell Pool Elevator, a committee member of the Fat Stock Association, a chairman of the Co-op Board, a member of the Board of Stewards in the McConnell Church, a Board Member of the Hospital from 1940 – 1952, and a school trustee for 10 years. He was chosen as chairman of the McConnell School Board and also as the president and director of the Hamiota Agricultural Society. He served on the Advisory Board of Agricultural Services for Manitoba. In addition, he was president and director of the Manitoba Shorthorn Association. He has received many honours: the Certificate of Merit from the Faculty of Agriculture of the U of M, Honorary Director Award from the Manitoba Association of Agricultural Societies, and the presentation from the McConnell Fat Stock Association.
Gordon will be remembered for his dedication, wit and wisdom, an apt response for any occasion, and for his hospitality and sincere friendship.