John Poole will be remembered as a tireless community supporter who left an enormous legacy in Edmonton, say colleagues.

Poole died suddenly at the age of 90 while at a family dinner in Calgary Monday evening.

"He's one of the absolute finest individuals this city has ever known," said Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel on Tuesday.

"You would not have a more marvellous, phenomenal human being that's ever lived in the city of Edmonton. He is, in my opinion, what everybody should aspire to."

Poole was the former head of PCL Construction, Canada's biggest construction company, which was founded by his father, Ernest.

Poole's legacy includes such tangibles as college scholarships and donations to local arts groups. He and his wife, Barbara, donated millions to the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, Edmonton Opera, Alberta Ballet and the Citadel Theatre, among others.

The less tangible include his mentorship to colleagues and friends such as Grant MacEwan College president Paul Byrne. Byrne said Poole's humility is something he'll remember.

"He could walk with the presidents and kings of the world, but he could also walk with the people who lived under the bridges of the river valley."

John and Barbara Poole kicked off the expansion of the Art Gallery of Alberta with their initial donation of $5 million. Gallery executive director Tony Luppino said their gift spawned other donations.

"People recognize if John and Barbara Poole are behind this, it must be a good thing, because they make things happen. And I think the gallery is as much a part of a John Poole legacy to this city as it is to anything else."

Luppino says Poole won't be forgotten.
 
"I never met anybody who's ever met him who doesn't want to be like him."