History

Theodore Bockstael
President - 1912 to 1945

Theodore Bockstael, a Belgian carpenter migrated to Canada in 1907. His first job was to help complete the roof of the St. Boniface Cathedrale, which opened the door to many other jobs.

In 1910, Belgian farmers in and around Fort Whyte, asked Theo to build milk houses, granaries and barns. Business surged and in 1912 he officially opened the doors to his general contracting business. During the First World War Theo continued to build homes, farm buildings and rural schools. Having brought bricklayers, plasterers, painters and carpenters from Belgium from 1928-1929, Theo took his work crews across the west (Manitoba to Alberta) following the railways to build station houses, water tanks, coaling plants, stockyards and loading platforms.

One particular project embossed the Bockstael name – the reconstruction of the Whittier Park stables. A 1934 fire burnt thus down. Remarkably they were constructed and ready to be occupied in 12 days.

The Jockey Club of Winnipeg Grand Stands (now Polo Park), Marianist Home, King George V School, and Ecole Provencher are just a few of the many projects he took on.

Having honed his carpentry skills and gained reputation for honesty, integrity and quality work, Theo Bockstael was on the road to making business history.

Robert T. Bockstael
President - 1945 to 1979

Were it not for Robert Bockstael bridging the gap between his father and his sons, Bockstael Construction might have suffered the fate of many intergenerational companies forced to close because no one was there to carry on.

Robert started working for the company at 16 during the summers, but it wasn’t until after his return from the Air Force in 1944 that he took a leadership role in the company and assumed full management in 1951. The Sisters of the Cross Residence, the Heather Curling Club, the Fort Garry, O’Keefe and Carling Breweries, Manitoba Telephone System switching stations and the foundations of a block of St. Boniface Hospital, are just a few of the noteworthy projects of his time.

The diversity of projects was evident when Robert Bockstael led the company. He constructed the Disraeli Bridge foundations, the Archibald underpass, convents and churches, schools and breweries. Robert constructed the spiraling Precious Blood Church, a most recognizable landmark in St. Boniface.

During his time he was predominately alone doing the tendering, the managing and representing the company to the public.

David G. Bockstael, B.S.B.A., G.S.C.
President - 1979 to 2008

When Robert decided to pursue a career in Federal Politics, David Bockstael partnered with Larry Bockstael in 1978 and together they purchased the company from Robert in 1979. David aided in the expansion of the business, starting with a hands-on approach from estimating to project delivery. As the company grew, David focused on customer satisfaction and recruitment of quality staff members. During David’s time, the company grew sales from $5,000,000 to $55,000,000 and staffing grew from 15 to 75 office and field staff .David served the greater construction industry as Director and President of the Winnipeg Construction Association and as the Provincial Vice-President on the Board of the Canadian Construction Association. He is a Gold Seal Project Manager of the Canadian Construction Association. David retired in 2008.