A legend and true gentleman, Education Foundation remembers the “L” in GLY Construction
Robert Lehman Landau (March 3, 1924 – April 18, 2017)
Bob Landau, co-founder of GLY Construction, was instrumental in the creation of the AGC of Washington Education Foundation in 1980. He believed in preparing young people for careers in the construction industry, and was passionate from the start; he fought tirelessly for a Foundation that almost didn’t exist.
In 1980, members of the AGC of Washington Board of Trustees were evaluating the viability of creating its own foundation, and were hesitant due to a shortage of funding. “I remember getting a call that they were $750,000 short,” Bob said at an Education Foundation Board of Trustees meeting in 2014. “[GLY was] a small firm at the time, but we figured it was worthwhile. We put the first money into the Foundation to be sure that they couldn’t get out of it. To see what has been accomplished since 1980, I have such pride in what the Foundation does in this area. There is nothing like it.”
Bob knew the true meaning and value of giving back to the construction industry. He and his wife Betty established the Robert L. and Betty L. Landau Scholarship Endowment in 1990, which is designated to supporting construction management students at CWU, UW, and WSU into perpetuity. Dozens of students have been recipients of the award since its inception, and Bob loved face-to-face meetings with his scholarship recipients whenever possible. From a 2016-2017 recipient of the Robert L. and Betty L. Landau Scholarship: “To be awarded with the Robert L. and Betty L. Landau Scholarship means a great deal to me. It is a very exciting time for construction in the Seattle area. Because of your generosity, I will be able to continue my schooling and contribute to the industry in just a matter of time. I am inspired to give back to the community and hope to be able to help aspiring contractors just as you have helped me.”
Bob and Betty are also members of the Education Foundation’s Legacy Society. Said Bob on including the Education Foundation in their estate planning: “The AGC Education Foundation, over a thirty year period, has proven that it can raise the education standards in all phases: high school, university, and those working in the field. Our industry, one of the nation’s largest, requires these efforts to provide a competitive and active industry. The construction industry needs this Foundation.”
Bob continued to attend Education Foundation Board of Trustees meetings into his nineties, and was not afraid to vocalize his passion for the industry at meetings. From his fellow Education Foundation board members on his passing:
“A high-quality human being.” -Bob Marconi, Ashbaugh Beal
“I am so sorry to hear that Bob passed away. He was such a wonderful man.” -Elaine Ervin, Moss Adams LLP
“Very sorry to hear that, what a great man.” -Rick Workman, Adatto Construction
“An accomplished construction man, a leader and a true gentleman.” -Jim Crutcher, Lease Crutcher Lewis
“Very sad day for his family and those of us that admired Bob over the years. A fine gentleman that will be missed.” –Bob Barrett, Sellen Construction (retired)
Bob was a great leader in the industry, and an influential supporter of the AGC Education Foundation and the AGC of Washington. He will be dearly missed by all of us.
Read GLY’s full statement published in the DJC here.