Sir Tom Farmer Death: Kwik Fit Founder and Scottish Philanthropist, Dies at 84
Sir Tom Farmer Death and Obituary – Sir Tom Farmer, the esteemed Scottish entrepreneur and philanthropist, has passed away at the age of 84. His family confirmed that he died peacefully at his home in Edinburgh. A towering figure in both business and community life, Sir Tom’s legacy spans the automotive industry, sports, and charitable work, leaving an indelible mark on the Scottish and wider UK landscape.
Born in Leith, Edinburgh, in 1940, Sir Tom was the youngest of seven children. His upbringing in a large, loving family had a profound influence on his life and values. He often reflected on the affection he received as the youngest child, and maintained close relationships with his siblings, nieces, and nephews throughout his life.
Sir Tom achieved national recognition as the founder of Kwik Fit, the car servicing and repair chain that revolutionized the automotive sector with its fast, customer-focused service. Under his leadership, Kwik Fit grew into one of the UK’s leading automotive brands, eventually expanding across Europe before being sold to Ford in 1999. His entrepreneurial success was widely celebrated, earning him a knighthood in 1997.
Beyond Kwik Fit, Sir Tom demonstrated his versatility in business through board roles with major companies such as MyTravel Group and Scottish Power. His strategic vision and ethical leadership earned him admiration across various industries.
A passionate football fan, Sir Tom was also a central figure in Scottish sport. In 1991, he acquired a majority stake in Hibernian Football Club, rescuing the club from financial peril and ensuring its future stability. He remained a devoted supporter and owner for 28 years, before transferring ownership to American businessman Ron Gordon in 2019. Hibernian FC paid tribute to him, stating they were “devastated” by his passing and thanking him for his immense contributions.
Philanthropy was a core pillar of Sir Tom’s life. Deeply influenced by his Roman Catholic faith, he was known for his generous support of numerous charitable causes. His faith informed both his personal and professional life, with regular attendance at mass and active participation in the Catholic community in Scotland and beyond.
Sir Tom married Anne, the love of his life, in 1966 after meeting her at their local church. The couple shared 57 years of marriage until Anne’s death in 2023. He often credited her as the foundation of his success, saying the secret to his achievements was that he had “married a girl like Anne.” Together, they raised two children and were proud grandparents to four.
In their statement, the Farmer family emphasized that, above all, Sir Tom was a family man who valued love, faith, and community. They have requested privacy during this time of mourning.
Sir Tom Farmer leaves behind a legacy of business innovation, community support, and unwavering dedication to faith and family. He will be remembered as a proud Scotsman who gave back generously to the society that shaped him.
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