(Thomas Cavanagh Construction Limited is located in Ashton, Ontario. Photo: Thomas Cavanagh Construction)
The Stittsville Business Association (SBA) are introducing an annual business award in honour of the late Thomas Cavanagh. The award will recognize a local business member who has contributed immeasurably back to our community year after year. Allan Ryan, President of the SBA, says, “the SBA wants to acknowledge a member company who has gone above and beyond for giving back to the local community when it is needed so we are initiating this award and 2020 is chosen as the inaugural year”.
Tom Cavanagh and his company, Cavanagh Construction Limited, did a lot for the community and the surrounding area throughout the years. He was a local pioneer in business and started with a single dump truck in 1953 growing the company over 66 years to a fleet of over 500 trucks and 800 plus employees. He also did everything fast – talking, driving and living and loved country music and NASCAR.
Ryan reminisced, “During the Goulbourn Township days, Tom was always there when we called him for a ball park, a road, raw materials for the roads depot or to help blow out a church parking lot for no cost. He gave back to this community in many ways and that is why I thought is was proper to name this award in his honour as a local business leader and local family. Staff at the township could always call and rely on Tom in a moments notice to deliver what they needed for them – with or without payment in return”.
Cavanagh’s wife Kay, his daughter Lori and son Jeff, were extremely humbled when contacted about this legacy in Thomas’ name. The family plan to be present when the award is presented to the Stittsville business receiving this honourary award in its inaugural year.
Dave White of Momentos on Carp Road has again been called upon to use his creative talent to design this honourary award in the name of Thomas Cavanagh.
The award will be given out each December to a worthy recipient.
Ryan ended, “I think the legacy of this award to local business people – who should be recognized for their generous giving and heart to the community – its the least we can do!”.
The Cavanagh family has established the Thomas Cavanagh Foundation in honour of his legacy to ensure that his generous gifting will be remembered and never ending.