A little more about Irvin Goodon

From humble beginnings, to a legacy of firsts, Irvin lived his mantra everyday: "Make your own tracks." He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, passionate about the land, an innovative businessman, published author, craftsman, preserver of history and builder of community.

Irvin was born to Métis parents in the Turtle Mountains of Manitoba in March 1933, just as spring thaw was bringing the promise of new life. He was raised in a small, traditional, Métis dirt-floor home, along with his five brothers and two sisters.

He left school in grade seven when he realized he could earn money on his trapline to contribute to the family household. Before long, Irvin was harvesting and selling fence posts to local farmers, then starting a feedlot cleaning operation and his own sawmill. Known as the "Pioneer of Post Frame," Irvin changed the design of farm buildings in Canada by bringing post-frame construction to the country in 1963. He was renowned across the industry for his ability to accurately perform the complex mathematical calculation of board feet in his head at lightning speed - a critical skill for lumber buying. Under his leadership, the company grew to become one of the largest in Canada. His name dotted the landscape from Manitoba to BC and into the midwestern USA. But most importantly, Irvin created opportunities for others in the community to thrive and earn a healthy living for their families.

Over the years, Irvin went on to build a western store, a convenience store, gas bar and a large farming operation. Irvin always had a passion for people, community and hospitality, and when he saw a need for motels in the southwestern Manitoba region, he launched the Canadian Wilderness Inn group.  In 2005, Irvin became one of the first laureates of the Aboriginal Business Hall of Fame. For this great honour he was thankful to God, the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, and his family for believing in him. Irvin was humbled to receive several other awards for his businesses and contributions to the community throughout the years.

Whether making tracks on foot, horseback, canoe, or snowmobile, Irvin was most at home in the natural environment of the Turtle Mountains. His freezer was always stocked with wild game and his potlucks were the stuff of legends. Friends and hunters would come from miles abroad to feast together on wild delicacies, then share the mic to tell stories of their own, often to much laughter. To continue sharing his passion of nature with others, Irvin built the Goodon Wildlife Museum in Boissevain, Manitoba.  

In recent years, when others would be slowing down in retirement, the artisan came out in Irvin. Antler chandeliers designed and crafted by him are found in homes across Western Canada. He authored three books including his autobiography Climbing One Pole at a Time, From Rabbit to Grizzly, stories of his hunting and trapping experiences, and Not Your Average Métis, a testimony of his life. Irvin also nurtured a large, bountiful garden, and tapped many a tree for its prized maple syrup. To the end of his days, Irvin remained proud of his Métis heritage. 

Irvin passed on December 28, 2021 and is missed greatly by his family, many friends and people whose lives he had touched throughout his journey.