The book is a chronicle of my life and my life-long career in the construction industry throughout Western Canada. It begins, as my life did, in the 50’s and traverses through to this present day, reflcting on the many life experiences, challenges and achievements that I have appreciated over the last 68 years. Growing up in this post-war era and living through the vast societal and economic changes since that time has been a great period to live, grow and work. For those readers who are my vintage, I hope it brings back fond memories and familiar feelings and for those younger readers, I hope it illustrates a completely different world than where we live today; not better, not worse, just very different.

Rick Tough grew up in North Delta in the 50’s and 60’s. After attending BCIT and graduating with a diploma in Civil and Structural Engineering Technology he travelled throughout Western Canada working in the heavy construction industry through the 70’s and 80’s. In 1986 he was a co founder of Western Versatile Construction Corp., along with Paul Manning and they successfully ran that company up until 2010, when the company was sold to investors. The projects they undertook ranged from highway bridges, railway bridges and rail grades, snow sheds, pulp mill construction, water and sewer treatment plants, mining projects, hydroelectric projects, most of which were in remote, northern areas. After spending most of his life in construction, Rick is now semiretired as a part time construction management consultant and enjoying a slower-paced life in the southern Okanagan.