Leonard Sydney (Len) Robinson

Len was born in 1945, the first child of Sydney and Sophie Robinson. He and his younger sister, Lorna, grew up in Nanaimo, British Columbia, where his modest and loving upbringing would shape Len as a father, professional, and friend.

A talented athlete, Len loved sports from an early age, playing competitive rugby, lacrosse, racquetball, and squash. After graduating from Nanaimo District Secondary School, he moved to Vancouver to attend BCIT.

Len graduated in 1966 as part of the first class of BCIT’s Building Technology Diploma program. Following his graduation, he devoted more than 40 years to the construction industry in British Columbia and across North America, making significant contributions to its growth and evolution. He was widely known for his leadership, vision, work ethic, humility, and his ability to make and maintain strong relationships.

Len’s dedication to his work was matched only by his devotion to his family—his wife Carol and their two children, David and Sarah. Introduced to Carol in 1968 by her oldest friend, they were married in 1971. Together, they shared over 54 years of partnership and laughter.

Len began his career with Dominion Construction before joining CANA Construction, where he rose from Estimator to Manager of BC Operations. During his time with CANA, he played an active role in numerous construction associations, earning respect for his fair and effective approach to complex industry issues—a hallmark of his career.

In 1992, Len joined Ledcor as Branch Manager and retired in 2009 as President and COO of their Building Group. During this time, he contributed greatly to Ledcor’s growth and success through his business acumen, mentorship, integrity, and deep construction expertise. His legacy can quite literally be seen in Vancouver’s skyline—from Science World and Waterfront Centre to Rogers (Shaw) Tower—and in skylines across North America.

Len possessed an extraordinary work ethic and never shied away from a challenge. Though his career demanded long hours and dedication, he always made time for what mattered most: family and friends. He made sure to be home for dinner, hockey games with David, or cleaning out a stable with Sarah, but often returned to the office to work until the early morning hours. His ability to balance it all—supported by Carol’s unwavering partnership—was truly remarkable.

Len was one of a kind. He had a rare ability to connect with everyone he met—loyal, warm, and wise, with a laugh that could fill any room. Fair to a fault, he never sought special treatment and believed deeply in a level playing field for all. Even across the negotiating table, others recognized his honesty, integrity, and grit.

He was also the life of MANY parties—often the last to leave—and cherished his friends, many of whom were also colleagues. Len loved fishing, being on the water, spending time on Vancouver Island, and enjoying sunny days in Hawaii.

Generous with his time, Len mentored many and gave back through his involvement in industry associations and community organizations. His past roles included Director of the Amalgamated Construction Association (Vancouver), Director of the Vancouver Regional Construction Association (IR Committee), Director of the BC Construction Association, Director of the Construction Labour Relations Association of BC, and Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Vancouver. Over the years, he supported the Boys and Girls Club of Canada, Kids Help Phone, BC Children’s Hospital, and the United Way Campaign with great commitment.

In 2010, Len was honoured by the Vancouver Regional Construction Association with Lifetime Achievement and Lifetime Membership awards, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the construction industry. To carry forward his legacy and support the next generation, a scholarship in his name is being established at BCIT.

Len lived with Parkinson’s disease since 2010 and passed away unexpectedly on the evening of October 30, 2025, with David and Sarah by his side—just four days shy of his 80th birthday.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Carmen, Alyssa, Andrea, and Evergreen Nursing Services for their exceptional care and kindness.

Len is survived by his beloved wife Carol, his daughter Sarah and her husband Steven, his son David and his wife Karen, and his grandchildren Jack, Henry, and Ellie.

A celebration of Len’s life will be held at the Pan Pacific, Cypress Suite, on March 11, 2026 at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson Society British Columbia (parkinson.bc.ca/ways-to-give).