Sir Michael Latham, the present chairman of Willmott Dixon, described him as a key figure in the reform of the industry in the 1990s. Latham gave him credit for transforming construction's adversarial culture into one of partnering and teamwork between contractors and consultants.
"He was a man of great integrity, outstanding leadership and far-sighted vision," said Latham. "He had the rare gift of being able to see the perspectives of the wide range of different disciplines that go to make up a construction team. He was not interested in fights between consultants and contractors."
Graham Watts, chief executive of the Construction Industry Council, said: "He had a huge impact on the industry, both in terms of his direct involvement at Willmott Dixon and his input to industry organisations."
"He was the ultimate industry leader," said Watt. "He was such a larger-than-life character."
Dixon, who had close links with the Conservative Party, was seen as an effective political fixer. In the 1990s he led industry delegations to see then-prime minister John Major.
His roll-call of responsibilities included president of the Chartered Institute of Building, chairman of the CIC and former Construction Industry Board. He was knighted in 1996.
Dixon had a particular interest in education and training, and was an advocate of lifelong learning. Until last year he was pro-chancellor at the University of Luton.
He started his career as a trainee estimator/surveyor at CS Foster & Sons in 1956. He joined John Willmott Holdings as general manager in 1967.
In 1987, when he became chairman and chief executive, the company's name changed to Willmott Dixon. He retired in 1998, by which time the firm had become one of the largest independent contractors in the UK, with a turnover of £250m.
