Where It All Started
Paul was the first generation of roofer in the family, learning the trade in 1932 after moving to Vancouver. He built his career specializing in cedar shakes and tile roofing, working in an era where craftsmanship and consistency defined the trade.
Over time, roofing became more than just work — it became a lifelong profession built on experience, discipline, and pride in doing things properly. Paul had three sons, two of whom he passed the trade down to. One remained in Vancouver, continuing in roofing there, while the other moved to Kelowna and established himself in the trade in 1986.
He remained in roofing for the rest of his life, passing away in 1977. The foundation he built continues to shape the standards and approach behind West Country Roofing today.
The Outbreak of War in Europe
September 1st, 1939.
The German army sweeps through Poland sending Europe into chaos as the UK & Commonwealth enter a state of war. After a swift victory over Poland the German Wermacht freezes and until May 1940 the "Phony War" ruled the Western Front neither side willing to engage in open conflict yet.
England Expands
After recovering from the Great War of 1914 - not many countries in Europe had anything but fatigue from the horrors of war and were hesitant to build up their armament industries and logistical support systems in the years leading up to 1939.
With the large demand for infrastructure far exceeding available manpower England turned to the Commonwealth for assistance. While many men were quite past the appropriate fighting age they were still able to assist in the war effort which is how men like Paul ended up roofing in England.
Roofing Professionals Were Brought Over From Canada
From their small British Columbian communities men like Paul were called upon to assist overseas in construction detail such as cedar shake installations on barracks to house the rapidly expanding Armed Forces.
While in England Paul had many small adventures and met many men such as Charlie, who preferred to carry cedar shakes on his head, as well as many unmentioned others.
Roofing in Kelowna Since 1986
One of Paul's three sons named Calvin moved to Kelowna in the mid 1980's and became established in the trade locally quickly becoming the lead installer for the largest roofing company in town of the 80's and early 90's. His boss was known for working his men hard and not accepting anyone who couldn't hand nail at least 1500 square feet a day.
By 1995 Calvin's boss finally retired and closed up shop leaving the industry and seven days after the birth of Calvin's own son he created West Country Roofing and through an earned reputation of working hard quickly became one of the largest companies of the late 1990's and early 2000's.
The Foundation of the Company
Throughout the building booms of the late 90's and early 2000's West Country Roofing became ingrained in Kelowna cementing a legacy that isn't leaving anytime soon.
Known for providing quality services and establishing a word of mouth only company back before websites and modern advertising existed he made a successful business for himself that was only downsized due to the 2008 recession and Calvins age advancing into his 50's and early 60's.
A Foundation That Carried Forward
In 2022 a new generation of the same family has taken over remaking the company as West Country Roofing LTD and creating a new direction incorporating modern advertising, websites and advanced technology seeking to create a forward thinking homeowner focused company that seeks to continue the generational legacy far into the future.