Sir Tom Farmer, the man behind the hugely successful Kwik-Fit tyre fitting chain passed in his sleep on Friday 9th May
Founder of Kwik-Fit, Sir Tom Farmer passes in his sleep
The Edinburgh-born businessman opened his first tyre shop in 1964, and started b in 1971, building the fast fit chain into a multi-national operation with over 2,000 outlets in 18 countries.
Sir Tom, as he was known sold Kwik-Fit to Ford in 1999.
He was knighted in 1997 for his services to the automotive industry and was made a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) in 2009 for his charitable work.
A statement from his family said; “Sir Tom’s long and extensive career touched many aspects of Scottish and UK life.
“His business career is well documented, as was his commitment to philanthropy, his many public roles and his unwavering support and appreciation for the communities and people that he lived his life within.”
Sir Tom’s philanthropic work saw him awarded the Carnegie Medal and he became a Knight Commander with Star of the Order of St. Gregory the Great, an honour bestowed by the Pope, in 1997.
“Sir Tom’s Roman Catholic faith was present throughout all areas of his life. He attended mass weekly in Edinburgh and enjoyed the friendship and company of many people with the Catholic community both here in Scotland and further afield,” his family said.
“Sir Tom will be remembered by many for his deep commitment to his family, his work and his faith and for being at all times a proud Scotsman,” they added.
The writer interviewed Sir Tom Farmer in 2000. It was with a little trepidation that I approached Sir Tom. I, a lowly journalist on a tyre publication, and Sir Tom perhaps one of the best-known Scottish businessmen of his day. I need not have worried, Sir Tom was a gentleman, happy to answer questions and discuss the business. One of the most pleasant interviews I had ever carried out at the time.
Our condolences to Sir Tom’s family at this difficult time.
