Tesoro Viejo Honors the Life and Legacy of its Co-Founder Bill Lyles

A life well-built is a life well lived. Bill Lyles, president and CEO of Lyles Diversified who partnered with The McCaffrey Group to bring Tesoro Viejo to life, passed away March 26, 2025 at the age of 91.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside Bill in the creation and development of Tesoro Viejo,” said Robert McCaffrey, CEO of Tesoro Viejo Development. Tesoro Viejo is a true testament to Bill's vision and leadership"

Bill was a builder from an early age, having worked on a construction crew as a welder’s helper at the age of 13. After earning his Civil Engineering degree from Purdue University and serving in the United States Navy, he was honored to build on his family’s pipeline business and led the Lyles Group for more than 50 years. Along with his brother, Gerald Lyles, and many business partners, Bill led the company – renamed Lyles Diversified – to become one of the leading private businesses in Central California.

The impact of Bill’s work can be seen not only throughout the Central Valley, but throughout California in projects ranging from residential and commercial to industrial and infrastructure. In his memoir, “The Joy of Building,” Bill shared insights and lessons learned throughout his prolific career.

His early career experiences cemented his business principle: “risk the branch, but not the trunk.” Bill exhibited the perfect balance between taking on challenging work while not risking the foundation of the business. He understood the importance of building a strong team of talented people – he truly valued the contributions of every employee and partner.

Bill was passionate about giving back to his community and the legacy of his significant philanthropic contributions will be felt for generations to come. He was a longtime strategic advisor to Fresno State, serving on the Craig School of Business Advisory Council, the Maddy Institute Board of Directors, the Board of Governors for the California State University, Fresno Foundation, among many other organizations.

Dedicated to contributing to the economic vitality of the Central Valley, Bill partnered with Fresno State in the creation of the Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in 2003. Thanks to a generous gift from the Lyles family, the Lyles College of Engineering at Fresno State was positioned in 2008 to educate more students in the Central Valley for careers in engineering and construction management.

Bill’s partnership and leadership in the creation and development of Tesoro Viejo are evident in the community’s design to “lie lightly on the land” that provides economic and social opportunity, while protecting the natural environment.

While Bill’s career had an impact far and wide, his hand in Tesoro Viejo is cherished by his partners and will continue to be appreciated by the many residents who call Tesoro Viejo their home.

“Bill’s significant contributions are felt at Tesoro Viejo,” said Karen McCaffrey, Executive Vice President of the McCaffrey Group. “He visited the community frequently and took great pride in watching this community come alive. He was proud to be a founder of Tesoro Viejo and loved to show visitors his family photo featured in the Welcome Center.”

Bill found joy in building and as a result, built a joyous life. His joy will continue to be felt at Tesoro Viejo.

To honor Bill’s legacy and contributions to the community, a tree will be planted at Tesoro Viejo.