Ottawa’s construction industry lost one of its giants on December 5.

Thomas Cavanagh passed away at the age of 86.

Tommy, as he was known to his friends and associates, may not have been well known throughout the industry. Certainly, his name does not appear often in Internet searches, or on the names of the boards of directors of various associations. But the story of his turning a three-man, one-shovel operation into a multi-million dollar enterprise that employs more than 800 people today cannot be ignored.

A humble man who grew up in Ottawa’s western suburbs, Tom didn’t learn the business of road building from a book or a colleague. He tried and failed and tried again, learning along the way, drawing on his successes, and surrounding himself with dedicated employees.

He earned his start in business alongside his brothers Gerald and Terrance in the early 1950s. The men turned enjoyed early success in the 1960s when the won work on the St. Lawrence Seaway. Over the years, the company grew gradually, and always on the reputation of doing good work for a fair price. It enjoyed great success as it took on major road work projects on Ottawa’s Highway 7 and later Highway 417, and solidified its reputation as one of the region’s foremost road contractors.

But as much as Cavanagh Construction is known for its exceptional work—the teal and white trucks are ever-present across Ottawa and the surrounding communities—it was Tommy’s larger-than-life personality that captured attention. Here was a man with a quick tongue and a sharp wit, and fondness, not for fine vehicles, but for driving them with abandon. Stories abound about Tommy’s various run-ins with local law enforcement over speeding—and other moving violations.

His generosity was just as apparent. Tommy would not hesitate to support those around him when they needed assistance—be they friends, employees or even community organizations. During the ice storm of 1998, for example, Cavanagh Construction crews lent a hand to Beckwith Township in Ottawa’s west end. The community was devastated by fallen power lines and blocked roads. Cavanagh’s crews not only helped coordinate the clean-up alongside members of the Canadian Armed Forces, but also loaned its generators to deliver power at a local school that would later serve as a community shelter.

The following spring, Cavanagh crews were again called into service when the community was hit by record flooding. Again, with no questions asked.

Tommy’s status as a businessman, a community leader and a company builder is unquestioned. His legacy will live on in the Thomas Cavanagh Foundation, established by the family in memory of his generosity.