Gilbert Vust

Gilbert Vust

Gilbert Vust passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord on September 3, 2016 after a fall seven days earlier in which he sustained severe head injuries.

Gilbert was born to Henry and Grace Vust on February 9, 1937 in Elgin Township near Little Rock, Iowa.  The seventh of 12 children, he moved to rural Portage with his parents and siblings in 1947.

At an early age he showed interest in farming and began working full-time with his father and brothers on the family farm as soon as he left school, becoming a partner in Vust Brothers Allis-Chalmers Dealership in 1958.  When Vust Limited was incorporated in 1966, he became one of its shareholders, working in the farming enterprises and serving as Secretary-Treasurer for as long as the company was in business.

He retired in 1996, and began to indulge in his hobby of restoring farm equipment, mostly Allis-Chalmers products.  He attended many Allis-Chalmers shows around the world and forged long-term friendships with numerous other A-C enthusiasts.

In 1996 he donated funds for the buildings of and became curator of the Allis-Chalmers Museum at the Fort La Reine Museum near Portage.  He then proceeded to fill those buildings with memorabilia and restored equipment, of the A-C kind, of course.

In 2004, he co-ordinated, along with Vic Edwards, The Gathering of the Orange at the Fort La Reine Museum, an annual international event for A-C collectors and fans.

At various times, he served on the boards of Delta Agricultural Conservation Co-op and other agricultural conservation efforts, the Community Foundation of Portage and District, the Fort La Reine Museum, and Manitoba Pool Elevators.

In December 2002, he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Medal for his community service to the Fort La Reine Museum.

As a young man, through the gift of God’s grace, he professed his faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour and became a member of the Bible Baptist Church.  He served at the church in many capacities through the years, notably by leading services and many will remember hearing his voice on the Bible Baptist Hour Radio Program.  His desire was to live out his faith by honouring God in his interactions, both business and personal but realized he often fell short.

Gilbert had a keen mind, a mechanical aptitude, skilled hands and a wonderful sense of humour.  He was a trusted friend and advisor to many.  He will be missed by all family members and many in the community.

The family is extremely grateful for the excellent medical assistance he received from the paramedics, the Portage Hospital, STARS, and at the Health Science Centre, both in Emergency and in the Surgical Intensive Care Units.  We express our thanks to HSC Medical Personnel for their wonderful care for his visitors and their patient and compassionate communication with us.

He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Martha Hoyes, his brother Harry, two brothers-in-law, Keith Hoyes and Albert Moman, and his sister-in-law Marianne Vust.  He is survived by four brothers: Alvin (Jenny), Merle, Roy (Darlene), all of Portage and Frank (Ruth) of Winnipeg; also by five sisters: Selma Vust, Freda Moman, Joyce Vust and Alice Vust, all of Portage and Lois McCormick (Jack) of Grand Forks, ND., as well as by numerous nieces and nephews and their  families.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. Memorial Service will be held on Friday, September 9, 2016 at the MNP Exhibition Building at 2:00 pm.  A private family interment will be held prior to the service at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, should friends desire, donations may be made to the Bible Baptist Church, 765 Saskatchewan Ave. W, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 0P7 or the Community Foundation of Portage and District 11-2nd St. NE, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, R1N 1R8.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021