Peter Lyall

In the death of Peter Lyall Montreal lost a citizen who left the impress of his individuality for good upon the community in which he lived. He was a man of fine personal appearance, and his splendid physique was an indication of the strength of his mental and moral nature. For many years he was connected with business interests as a prominent contractor, being the head of the Peter Lyall & Sons Construction Company, Ltd. While in his seventieth year at the time of his death, he had always remained in active connection with his business until a few days prior to his demise.

Scotland numbered Mr. Lyall among her native sons, his birth having occurred at Castletown, Caithness, Scotland, where he gained a practical knowledge of the contracting business before crossing the Atlantic in 1870. When he sought a home in the new world Montreal was his destination and he made his initial step in circles here in the employ of his cousin, the later Peter Nicholson. Six years were sufficient to bring him a wide acquaintance that he believed justified him in embarking in business on his own account. He was joined by his two sons, William and Traill O. in 1892, who are still connected with the business that was established in Montreal in 1876. The third son, Peter D. Lyall, is head of a large contracting firm in Winnipeg. From the time that he started out independently Peter Lyall was successful and his name figured prominently in connection with building operations in Montreal and this part of Canada. He kept in close touch with all phases of the business and with all progressive steps therein. Many of the business structures of Montreal still stand as monuments to his ability, his energy and his notable ambition. He carried out the erection of the Quebec Bank Building, the Royal Victoria Hospital, Macdonald Engineering buildings at McGill, the Sun Life building, the Canada Life, the Grand Trunk general offices, the Coristine building, the new Board of Trade, the Stock Exchange, the Guardian Life, the Dominion Express and Transportation buildings, and hundreds of others. Some of the finest residences of the city also stand as monuments to his handiwork, notably among which are the homes of the late Sir Edward S. Clouston and George L. Cains. From the time that he started out in business his rise was continuous. It was soon evident that he understood the building business, both from a scientific and practical standpoint, that his reliability made him worthy of a liberal patronage, and that his energy and indomitable spirit made possible the prompt and faithful execution of his contracts. Success came to him soon and was well merited, so that he gained place among the prosperous residents of the city. His ability in management, his power of carefully formulating plans and then executing them with determination was seen in his cooperation in the organization of a number of companies which have constituted leading factors in industrial, commercial and financial circles. He was one of the promoters of the Lachine Rapids Hydraulic & Land Company, formed in 1896, and of the Midway Land Company in the same year. He was one of the organizers of the Laprairie Brick Company in 1904.

Mr. Lyall was united in marriage to Miss Christina Oman, who, like her husband, was a native of Castletown, Caithness, Scotland. They became the parents of three sons, William and Traill O., of Montreal, Peter D., of Winnipeg and a daughter, now Mrs. D. W. Lockerby, of Montreal. Mr. Lyall possessed a social nature that found expression in his membership in the Canada, Reform, Canadian, Country and Engineers Clubs. His kindly disposition made him a favorite in all circles, and among no class of people was he more appreciated than by his own employes. He was deeply interested in all that pertained to affairs of government and to municipal progress. For many years he was a prominent member of the liberal party, earnestly striving to promote its success, and in 1904 he unsuccessfully contested the St. Antoine district for the Dominion parliament. At one time he was president of the Montreal Reform Club and at all times took a firm stand in opposition to misrule in public affairs and in support of all that he believed would uphold the honored tenets of government and promote the best interests of the people in general. For two years he was a member of the Montreal city council and brought his splendid business acumen to bear on civic problems, proving himself one of the strongest men at the council table. He was afterward eagerly besought to again become a member of the council but declined. He took a deep and helpful interest in the Citizens Association, being in hearty sympathy with its purpose, and at the time of his demise was one of its vice presidents. Above and beyond all this Mr. Lyall was known as a man of most generous and benevolent spirit, ever seeking to promote the welfare and happiness of his fellowmen. He could not listen unmoved to a tale of sorrow or distress, and to the extent of his ability he extended a helping hand to the needy. He gave not only freely of his money but also a large portion of his time to good works. He was president of the Protestant Hospital for the Insane at Verdun, and his efforts were a potent force in making it one of the excellent institutions of its character in the country. The Western Hospital found him equally helpful and generous. Thus he made his presence felt beneficially in commercial, political and philanthropic circles. To know him was to esteem and honor him by reason of what he accomplished and the methods he pursued. The most envious could not grudge him his success, so honorably was it won and so worthily used.