KWIK Fit founder Tom Farmer has died at the age of 84.
Sir Tom, who founded the garage chain, was also a former director of MyTravel Group and Scottish Power, died at his Edinburgh home on Friday.
Former Hibs owner and Kwik Fit founder Sir Tom Farmer has died[/caption]
The millionaire passed away peacefully at home yesterday[/caption]
Heartfelt tributes have poured in for the tycoon, who was worth £126m, after he passed away aged 84.
He owned a majority stake in Hibernian Football Club for 28 years, selling his interest in 2019 to US businessman Ron Gordon.
Sir Tom sold Kwik Fit to Ford for £1billion back in 1999.
His family said in a statement today that Sir Tom’s life and career “touched many aspects of Scottish and UK life”, and his philanthropy would be remembered.
They added: “More than anything Sir Tom was a family man. Born in Leith, Edinburgh, in 1940 he was the youngest of seven children.
“He frequently spoke of the love, care and attention that was bestowed upon him by being the youngest in such a large family.”
The businessman had three brothers and three sisters, many nieces and nephews, and the family said he was “proud to be an uncle to them and their families”.
Hibs led tributes to their former owner, saying: “Hibernian FC are devastated to hear of the passing of former owner Sir Tom Farmer, aged 84.
“Thank you for everything, Tom. Rest in peace.”
Born in Leith in 1940, the business tycoon was a devoted family man and was the youngest of seven children.
Sir Tom started his own tyre business which he sold in 1969 for £450k and retired to America.
Upon his return to the business world, Sir Tom founded Kwik Fit in 1971 and built it into one of the world’s most iconic automotive chains with over 2,000 garages in 18 countries.
He married his beloved wife Anne in 1966 after meeting her at their local church, St Mary, Star of the Sea.
They went onto enjoy a 57 year marriage until Anne’s death in 2023.
Later in his life, when asked about the secret to his success he would often say it was because he “married a girl like Anne.”
Sir Tom and Anne lived their whole married life in Edinburgh and are survived by their two children and four grandchildren.
He was born into a devoutly Catholic family, and his faith remained a massive part of his life.
Sir Tom’s career was filled with accomplishments and titles.
He was the first ever Scotsman to win the Andrew Carnegie Medal for philanthropy and was given a Knighthood in 1997 by the then Queen Elizabeth II.
He was also made a Knight Commander with Star of the Order of St. Gregory the Great and a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order.
Hibs led tributes with fans hailing him as the man who saved the club[/caption]
