A distinguished member of an illustrious family which contributed much to the improvement of livestock in general and Shorthorns in particular.

Although John Gardhouse’s primary occupation was the breeding of Shorthorn cattle, he never shirked his responsibility as a citizen. As a result, a great deal of his time was devoted to public affairs. Locally he served as councilor, deputy reeve and reeve of his native Township of Etobicoke. Upon moving to Weston, he was elected chairman of the Board of Education and later, mayor of the town.

In the broader field, he was a member of the commission, which after studying the problems of the horse industry recommended the enactment of the Stallions Act. He was also a member of the committee that proposed the establishment of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. When the Ontario Cattle Breeders’ Association was formed in 1919 he became the first president, and in 1926 and 1927, served as president of the Dominion Shorthorn Association.

A man of many talents, John was constantly in demand as a lecturer at farm meetings. In this capacity he always emphasized the importance of producing good crops and of marketing them through high-class livestock.