Clark Builders

Clark Builders Dave Wardrop Memorial Scholarship

Mr. Wardrop was born in Biggar, Saskatchewan and spent his growing years on the family farm where he quickly learned to appreciate the value of hard work. From his early days with PCL in Saskatoon and Yellowknife, to experience gained as a superintendent with Carlson Construction in Yellowknife and Edmonton, Dave defined commitment and quality.

The industry lost one of its leaders when Dave Wardrop passed away in December 2006. In a construction career that spanned over four decades, Clark Builders was fortunate to have Dave spend the last 12 years of his career wearing their logo. During that time, when they were faced with some of their biggest corporate construction challenges, Dave's vast construction knowledge and "can-do" attitude ensured that key projects were completed on time and within budget; often under deadlines that others considered impossible.

It's unlikely that the 'no-nonsense' Dave on site would have spent time sharing his personal interests with this co-workers. Little did they know that the same quality product was expected on any home renovation undertaken - with no exception. Neither would they know that his prized possession was a 1981 Chevy truck that he had converted to propane. This vintage vehicle always needed "just a little bit more work"; at least enough to move it out of the garage in the winter and back inside for the spring. He enjoyed poking around in the garden as it was naturally relaxing for him and achieved what he valued most - results.

Dave was a builder in every sense of the word. Not only did he build buildings, he was:
- A builder of trust;
- A builder of relationships;
- A builder of confidence; and,
- A builder of people.

Any construction company faces problems from time to time and some of those problems are a result of circumstances beyond our control. Dave always took ownership of the issue and presented it as a challenge as opposed to a problem. He endeared many people through not casting blame. Other adjectives used to describe Dave were: fair, quiet, knowledgeable, respectful and a mentor. What great attributes to be remembered by.

Dave truly cared about, and appreciated those who he worked with. The leadership style that he brought to the job every day set a standard of excellence to which all who knew him measured themselves against. All he asked was that each individual worked just as hard for the same outcome that he strove for and committed to, because he believed that it was that kind of commitment that built great teams. And great teams meant great project results.

This award is sponsored by Clark Builders, an employee-owned general contracting firm. Clark Builders employees share a passion for doing the right thing everyday. Their reputation is based on an ability to successfully complete diverse and logistically challenging projects on time and within budget. Projects range in scope and size from high-rise condominiums, to multi-purpose recreational facilities, to camp development projects in the oil sands region of Central Alberta, and on into Canada's far North where they are involved extensively in mining process facility construction. They are headquartered in Edmonton with additional offices in Calgary and Yellowknife. There is no doubt that Dave Wardrop personified the best of Clark Builders.

Dave loved the industry he served for over 40 years. We are pleased to offer this scholarship in his name to individuals who share the passion for construction that is Dave's legacy. Clark Builders along with the Wardrop family (his wife Elaine and children: Lorraine, Calvin, Alsanne, Andrea and Bryan) wish to extend their congratulations to the winner of this award.