In Tillsonburg, the words “Tiltran Services” are often synonymous with “Community Service”. That is because Tiltran Services Inc. founder, Pat Carroll, is a strong believer in community spirit and service.

Pat was heavily influenced by his father, J.B. (Jack), who was a devoted member of the Lions Club. Pat strayed only slightly from his father’s example when he instead joined the Kinsmen Club, in 1981, upon graduating from university. Pat had obtained a degree in engineering after first becoming an electrician and he was looking forward to rekindling the comraderie of his teen years when he joined the young men’s service club and he remains very active within the organization after being given life membership in 1987.

His accomplishments within the organization, and within the community at large, are a testament to his dedication to the Kinsmen ideals of “enhancing the quality of life in their communities by promoting service, social interaction, positive values and national pride.” It is in that spirit that whenever there is a worthy project, Pat always volunteers his company’s trucks, tools, equipment, and people to the cause. His workers many times volunteer their time and energy on evenings and on the weekends.

Such projects included his very first Kinsman effort which was making repairs to vandalized fencing across the Kinsmen Bridge over Participark in 1981. That was soon followed by the annual installation of the power cable, panel and lights, for the Experience Tillsonburg beer tent. The company then went on to donate the materials for a new 200 Amp feeder to supply power to the new addition on the Community Centre. The Youth Drop in Centre was completely wired at no charge, using volunteer labour.

In 1993 the Lake Lisgar Renaissance Project went into motion and Pat chaired the volunteer effort which was organized to beautify and revitalize the Lake. The project included the construction of a gazebo, installation of a beautiful fountain, and lighted walkways around the Lake. The project also brought awareness for the environment and it was determined that there was effluent entering the Lake on the west side and that lead to the total reconstruction of Park Ave. with new sewers, sidewalks and the roadway itself. That project received national recognition and was highlighted in Water Gardening Magazine. Later, at the end of the project. A building was also added for the Rowing Club and Pat again volunteered his resources and labour force to wire that building which also served as a source of power when a new temporary feed was required for the Lake Lisgar Water Park project.

Later, the Kinsmen Kanteen at the new ballpark had to be completely wired and the Tillsonburg Little Theatre was the recipient of parking lot lighting, sourced, supplied and installed, by Tiltran’s volunteers one weekend years ago and in 2007 Tiltran Services, in commemoration of its 25th year in business, donated $2,500 to assist in the operations of the theatre.

In recent years, the Relay for Life for Cancer Research has benefited from the annual effort of Tiltran and its employees to install the town’s generator connected to Tiltran and Lizco Sales’ cables, panels, lighting and equipment, which power the all night fundraiser where almost a million dollars has been raised over the past four years.

The new soccer club facility was provided a temporary service and just last year when another set of public washrooms were completed, Tiltran and its suppliers provided and installed all that was needed at no cost.

In 2005, Tiltran Services Inc. and Lizco Sales Inc. uniting under the corporate branding “Partners in Power”, paid off their final installment of a $50,000 commitment to Tillsonburg’s, It’s For Everyone arena rebuilding campaign.

The two companies, in 2007, have announced a pledge of another $50,000 for the Town’s Parkland Trust, to aid in the construction of a public trail system in conjunction with the expansion of the local golf club.

Tiltran Services Inc. was recognized in 2002 and is the proud recipient of the Chamber of Commerce’s award for outstanding community service and the companies have lived up to that billing ever since.

With Tiltran Services Inc. now under new ownership and still growing, the commitment to community service remains strong. “Community Service” and “Tiltran Services Inc.” will remain synonymous in the minds of many for years to come.