In his nearly 25-year career with PCL Construction, Keith Kerr worked on the operations team in Toronto as a mechanical and electrical coordinator. He proudly left his mark on multiple landmark projects throughout his career, including Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort, Maple Leaf Square, the Air Canada Centre (now Scotiabank Arena) and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada.

Kerr passed away after a battle with cancer in 2013. More than 10 years later, PCL employees still strive to mirror his authentic demeanor, outstanding commitment to work and constant focus on delivering exceptional client service.

“Keith had an excellent way of calming people down and getting them to refocus during tough or high-stress situations,” says Frank Pyatt, P3 post-completion warranty manager at PCL in Toronto, who worked with Kerr on a number of projects throughout his career.

“Owners, clients and consultants all loved working with Keith because they knew that when he came into a meeting, there would be no pretense, and only direct discussion about the nature of an issue and how it could be resolved and accepted by all stakeholders.”

Kerr left a lasting impact on PCL Toronto operations through the innovative thinking he consistently demonstrated on the job site.

The mark Kerr made on PCL extended well beyond the projects he touched. The relationships he built with his peers were characterized by camaraderie, support and trust.

Annette Matthews, senior project manager, worked with Keith at the beginning of her 20-year career at PCL while working on the BMO Computer Centre in Barrie and Maple Leaf Square in Toronto. She viewed Kerr as a father figure due to his helpful nature, remembering his quirky smile and how he helped her with electrical work on her first house.

“I would have loved to work my entire career with Keith. He would drop everything to help you, either in work or your personal life,” she says. “Keith would do anything to make you feel appreciated for your work and would never expect any recognition for the extra work that he did.”

Kerr was working on the Air Canada Centre in 1998 when current Construction Manager David Folk had his first day at PCL. “At the time, I didn’t understand how a company so big could feel like a family, but I learned the PCL story from Keith,” Folk reminisces.

“Patience is a word that comes to mind today. Keith took the time to provide the guidance I needed to be successful. I was impressed by his knowledge and his willingness to teach others.”

Kerr’s life outside of work was filled with adventure, alongside his beloved wife and best friend of nearly 19 years, Patti Kerr, and his cat Smokey. Together, the two explored countries across the world, were married in Tahiti and motorcycled along the Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway through North Carolina and Virginia while on a journey from Ontario to Nova Scotia.

Through all that, their foundation was the country dream home they built in Caledon, Ontario. The couple lived on the property in a trailer for over three years while they constructed their home.

“Keith would come home from a long day at work, have dinner, complete a two-hour job on the house and then do it all again the next day,” says Patti Kerr. “He loved going to work every day. Keith would roll out of bed early in the morning and could not wait to arrive to work and start his day. He truly loved what he did.”

In a reflection on his happiness before his passing, Keith Kerr wrote, “My passion was construction, along with buying and selling boats, cars and trucks. I have achieved a great deal in my life and have a number of buildings left to be admired. My most memorable project ever was the BMO Computer Centre in Barrie where I made many new and lasting friendships.”

PCL’s Toronto office created the annual Keith Kerr Solution Provider Award in 2015 to pay tribute to his legacy by rewarding employees’ key contributions in enhancing client service.

The desired outcome of PCL’s solution provider initiative is a culture where every employee is empowered and accountable to take the time to understand the expectations of the client, to take ownership of challenges and to implement solutions that exceed customer expectations.

Employees submit solution provider stories throughout each year, describing situations where individuals or teams added value to clients, demonstrated skills as a solution provider and enhanced the PCL client experience. One story is recognized at the end of the year with the Keith Kerr Solution Provider Award.

“The stories are illustrations of the day-to-day PCL culture in action, showcasing exceptional efforts for our clients,” says Lisa Kurina, operations manager. “Our employees are inspired to deliver their best as they exemplify the inherent skills demonstrated Keith throughout his career.”

PCL’s solution providers continue to follow in Kerr’s footsteps to build better projects, enhance client value and drive new opportunities.