Archie William Londry was born on April 5, 1922 at Minnedosa, Manitoba. He attended school at Willow Grove, McBride and Minnedosa High School. He was a member of the Boys’ and Girls’ Club, the forerunner of 4-H. He was an R.C.A.F. pilot in WW II. On July 3, 1946 Archie married Winona Horner. Their family is son, David, his wife Marlynn and four grandchildren.
During an eight-year period Archie worked for C.P.R., drove mules and horses, fired steam engines and flew aircraft before he began farming. His farming operation included purebred beef cattle as well as growing foundation, registered and certified seed grain. Archie’s main interest, however, was the cattle industry where he was president of the Hereford Association, the Simmental Association, and the Manitoba Cattle Breeders Association. He was Breed Representative to the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba and was involved with the Federal-Provincial Beef Cattle Performance Testing Association. Archie chaired the Artificial Insemination Advisory Board and served on a number of other cattle producers’ organizations.
Archie exported cattle, embryos and semen to many countries including the British Isles, Europe, Russia, Australia and South America. Many of the offspring were judged champions in their new homes. He was awarded the first A.O. Henuset Memorial Distinguished Service Award for betterment of Simmental in Manitoba. He influenced the cattle industry by raising bulls for three generations of local cattle producers. He judged at provincial, national and international shows and showed cattle at Manitoba Winter Fairs and Exhibitions for sixty-eight consecutive years, except during the war.
Archie is a life member of both the Minnedosa Agricultural Society and of the Legion Branch #138. For thirty years he has worked to improve life for fellow veterans and their spouses. In 1992 he was awarded the Legion Meritorious Service Medal.
He was a founding member and served nine years as president of the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum. He chaired its Museum Foundation and Memorial Book Committees.
Archie was Board Chairman of the Hunterville United Church for over twenty-five years and of the Minnedosa and Area Wider Parish. His keen interest in helping young people led to coaching ball teams, instructing a Youth Hunter Safety Program and in helping 4-H judging teams while leading the Rapid City Beef Club for over fifteen years. Archie’s interest also led to helping young people to get started in farming and raising cattle. Now in his eightieth year, he still maintains his own cattle herd.
Behind Archie’s quiet and unassuming nature is a compassionate, caring and patient gentleman. With his wife Nonie’s support, they have become widely recognized for their good stewardship of the land and conservation practices. Archie is highly respected as a veteran, cattle breeder, neighbour and friends.