The construction industry lost two fine men, sons of prominent contractors, both chips off the old block, smart, successful and generous with their time talent and treasure for many Houston organizations. Andrew Baird Linbeck, son of the late Leo Linbeck, Jr, died on November 8, 2017, and Paul Dunbar Chapman, son of the late Dave Chapman, died on November 29, 2017. Andrew was 53; Paul 64; cancer was the cause in both cases.
Their stories are remarkably parallel, and characteristic of an increasing pattern for construction families. Both their grandfathers, Leo Linbeck and Dunbar Chambers were craftsman and founders of very successful construction companies: Linbeck and
Farnsworth & Chambers. Both of their dads were college graduates, Notre Dame and Rice, respectively and both sons acquired Masters Degrees – Andrew from Rice Jones School, with a Notre Dame undergraduate degree; Paul from the Wharton School with a Rice undergraduate degree. Andrew had three daughters; Paul two sons, and amazingly, both had five siblings!
They both became co-founders of the companies for whom they worked most of their lives. In 2002, Andrew was a co-founder of Salient Partners now a national financial services firm; his entire career was in the financial services industry. In 1996, Paul was co-founder of Belmont Village and served as Chief Development Officer on their 25 senior living communities in the United Statas and Mexico; his whole career was in real estate development and construction management.
Their contributions to the community were significant, and diverse. Andrew served many Catholic organizations including Catholic Charities, St Vincent DePaul Society, the Alliance for Catholic Education, St Mary’s seminary, St Thomas High School, and Duchesne Academy. His special focus was the Margil House of Studies which was founded by his great aunt and god-mother, Mary Neal Davis. Andrew took over this organization, dedicated to the work of Franciscan priest, Antonio Margil de Jesus, who founded missions throughout Texas.
Paul served on the boards of the Houston Zoo and the Houston Center for Photography, and was vice chair of the boards of Scenic Houston, the Urban Land Institute Senior Housing Council, St John’s School, and Teach for America Houston.
Both were very energetic men with passion for their many hobbies. Andrew was an avid fisherman, hunter, golfer, swimmer and rider. Paul was a superb photographer, a committed surfer who surfed on three continents, a stand-up paddle boarder, a quail hunter, and a fly fisherman. He was also a connoisseur of fine wine and cigars. Both had a zest for life that was magnetic and infectious.
They were both great credits to their construction industry heritage, reflecting the character and class which is the hallmark of successful contractors. They were also gifted leaders and generous givers, just like their dads. They enriched our construction industry family. We will miss them.
