Tributes have poured in for Sir Tom Farmer, the founder of the Kwik Fit garage chain and former owner of Hibernian FC, who passed away at the age of 84 on Friday, May 9, 2025, at his home in Edinburgh. The Leith-born businessman, who built Kwik Fit into the world’s largest independent tyre and automotive business, died peacefully, leaving behind a legacy that touched many aspects of Scottish life.
Sir Tom's journey began in 1964 when he opened his first tyre business. In 1971, he launched Kwik Fit, which grew to encompass over 2,000 locations across 18 countries. His vision and entrepreneurial spirit helped revolutionize the UK automotive aftermarket sector, culminating in a lucrative sale of the company to Ford in 1999 for £1 billion. This sale catapulted him into the ranks of Scotland’s wealthiest individuals.
In addition to his business success, Sir Tom was a devoted philanthropist and a family man. He was knighted in 1997 for his contributions to the automotive industry and later became a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) in 2009 for his charitable endeavors. His family stated, “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.”
Born in Leith in 1940, Sir Tom was the youngest of seven children. He often spoke fondly of the love and care he received from his large family, which instilled in him a strong sense of community. He married Anne in 1966, and the couple enjoyed a 57-year marriage until her passing in 2023. Sir Tom frequently credited Anne for his success, stating, “In later years when asked about the secret to his success, he would often say it was because he ‘married a girl like Anne.’”
Sir Tom’s commitment to Hibernian FC was particularly noteworthy. He owned a majority stake in the club for 28 years, rescuing it from possible extinction in 1990 by investing nearly £3 million to save it from receivership. This act of generosity came at a time when the club faced significant financial challenges, and he was hailed by fans as a savior. He sold his interest in the club to American businessman Ronald Gordon in 2019.
His philanthropic efforts extended beyond football. He was the first Scot to receive the prestigious Andrew Carnegie Medal for philanthropy, recognizing his contributions to various charitable causes. His dedication to community and family was evident in his active participation in the Catholic community, where he attended mass weekly and formed lasting friendships.
Following his passing, tributes from across Scotland highlighted Sir Tom’s impact. First Minister John Swinney expressed his condolences, stating, “Very sorry to hear of the death of Sir Tom Farmer, an outstanding entrepreneur and such a generous individual to so many causes in Scotland. My condolences to his family.”
Kwik Fit released a heartfelt statement, saying, “Everyone at Kwik Fit is very saddened at the passing of the company’s founder Sir Tom Farmer. Sir Tom will always be a towering figure in our industry. His entrepreneurship revolutionized the UK automotive aftermarket sector and built the foundations on which we stand today.”
Hibernian FC also paid tribute, stating, “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.” Fans echoed similar sentiments on social media, with many recalling his dedication to the club and community.
Sir Tom’s legacy will undoubtedly live on through his contributions to both the business and sporting communities. He is survived by his two children and four grandchildren, who remember him as a loving family man. His passing marks the end of an era for many in Scotland, where he was not just a businessman but a beloved figure who embodied the spirit of community and generosity.
As tributes continue to flow in, it is clear that Sir Tom Farmer will be remembered not only for his business acumen and philanthropy but also for his unwavering commitment to family, faith, and community. His life serves as an inspiration to many, illustrating the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of others.
