With the passing of long-time Innovation Credit Union Director and former Board Chair, Gordon Lightfoot of Swift Current, Innovation wanted to commemorate Gord by making a significant contribution to an organization he was incredibly passionate about. Innovation is therefore making a $25,000 donation to CDF Canada in Gord’s memory.
Gord gave of himself unselfishly in everything he was involved in. His dedication and leadership to the co-operative system will be missed greatly, not only by Innovation but all the organizations he impacted.
“Gord was a close friend and mentor for me and so many in the co-operative space,” says Innovation Credit Union CEO, Daniel Johnson. “He was a wealth of knowledge and could discuss everything from agriculture, lineage, world trends, economics, co-operatives, and even how to be a better person. He was honest and kind. The world was a better place with Gord, and we will miss him.”
“On behalf of the Board of Innovation Credit Union, we are very pleased that CDF Canada has been chosen to receive a significant donation in memory of our colleague and friend, Gord Lightfoot,” says Innovation Board Chair Russ Siemens. “The mission of CDF Canada includes words like partnership, collaboration, co-operative, community, and linking agriculture with financial access. These practices align with the vision Gord had for the credit union sector. His influence will ensure the sustainability of the credit union sector into the future, and he will be sorely missed.”
Gord served in co-operative governance for more than 40 years and leaves a legacy of achieving growth and sustainability through partnerships and pushing boundaries. Leading by way of example, he always based his decisions on the co-operative principles and encouraged his peers to do the same. Innovation members’ best interests were his biggest interest. Gord will be remembered as a truly innovative, future focused, and caring man.
“Our sincere thanks to Innovation as it is an honor to receive this generous gift as a tribute to Gord,” says Donna Miller, CDF Canada Director, Operations & Engagement. “His dedication to farming, commitment to community and the co-operative movement is noteworthy. From our perspective he was a highly regarded gentleman and a valued supporter of CDF Canada.”
The Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF Canada) is a global social impact partner that collaborates with local communities to achieve sustainable economic and social development. Its work is to develop, grow, and support co-operatives and credit unions around the world. Gord was a long-standing generous supporter of CDF Canada (and the Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA) prior to the merge) and its work for the past 20 years.