Paul Rex Pigott Sr.
Born April 7, 1932, the son of a successful general contractor, one might have thought that Paul would someday join his father’s business. Predicting the measure of his future contributions would have been more challenging. From what we know of the Pigott family values, it is not surprising that 75 years later we would induct Paul Rex Pigott into the Construction Hall of Fame.
There are four aspects to Paul Pigott’s construction career and life which evoke respect and admiration. He was a man of great family values, who understood the importance of ensuring people could live comfortably. He was a determined and decisive business leader. Paul Pigott was certain that Pigott Construction Company was destined to build recognizable projects; in this effort he understood there is a keen sense of history about the company and its’ buildings. And Paul Pigott understood the importance of stepping forward to keep the industry buoyant through personal contributions of time and thought.
Many fascinating structures were built by Pigott throughout Canada, Ontario and of course Hamilton. These include: the Hamilton Eaton Centre – now known as The City Centre, the Hamilton General Hospital expansion, Copps Coliseum, the Sheraton Hotel, the refurbishment of the Cathedral of Christ the King, Michael DeGroote School of Business building at McMaster University, Kings Health Centre, Hamilton Public Library & Market, and the twinning of the Hamilton Skyway Bridge.
Paul Pigott was regarded as a tough business man and he had the stature to back it up. He was more decisive than tough, more focused than aloof, and more shy than seeking the limelight. He was active in associations because it was essential to the business of construction. In reality, he was more charitable than would be generally known. When the company completed the Cathedral of the Christ the King, Paul donated the profits back to the Hamilton Catholic Diocese. When a permanently injured employee needed a new vehicle, Paul provided it while insisting that the gift be confidential.
Paul Pigott served as the 1998 Chairman of the Ontario General Contractors Association, he was instrumental in developing the TCA/OGCA “Seven Deadly Sins” document which described the sins of owners in their contracts. He received the OGCA Chairman’s Award in 1996, the Bob Rae Award the same year, and the Donald P. Giffen Industry Achievement Award in 1999.