R.I.P. Eddie Stobart

s3129

Sad news today...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/mar/31/edward-stobart-dies-eddie-stobart


Haulage magnate Edward Stobart, who ran the Eddie Stobart lorry empire for more than three decades, has died at the age of 56.

Stobart was managing director of Eddie Stobart Ltd, a business started by his father Eddie in the 1950s. Eddie Stobart is now in his 80s.

He died on Thursday morning at University hospital, Coventry, after suffering from heart problems.

Stobart is credited with having built up the brand. He first became involved in the company towards the end of the 1960s, and oversaw its growth from a regional supplier in Cumbria to a giant of the haulage industry, with a cult following.

From beginnings in agriculture and then as a road haulage company, the company has expanded into rail and air transport, as well as logistics management and warehousing. But haulage operations continue, with the distinctive trucks operating throughout Europe.

The individually named trucks attracted an "Eddie spotting" fanbase, which subsequently led to an official fan club and a merchandising operation selling Stobart-branded goods. The fan club has more than 25,000 members.

In 2004, Stobart sold the company to his brother William and business partner Andrew Tinkler.

The Stobart Group said: "It is with great sadness and regret that Stobart Group shares the news that Edward Stobart has passed away. Our thoughts are with Edward's wife Mandy, his children and family at this difficult time."

mike65

A legend of the roads.

coylemj

s3129 wrote: »

Stobart was managing director of Eddie Stobart Ltd, a business started by his father Eddie in the 1950s. Eddie Stobart is now in his 80s.

Did you mean to say Eddie Stobart Sr. is now in his 80s?

carbsy

Very young to die and very sad.His haulage trucks are a regular visitor to our company, in Rathcoole. RIP.

carbsy

coylemj wrote: »

Did you mean to say Eddie Stobart Sr. is now in his 80s?

Wasn't that an obvious typo? No need to correct it...RIP.

LookBehindYou

Good sponsor of Motorbike Road Racing.

L1011

There is an irony that someone so heavily involved in UK trucking gets limited to 56....

ottostreet

How weird, considering the recent thread on here about the company.

R.I.P.

Homer

They're going to make a film of his life, I've seen the trailers

JackCharlton

http://mobile.pistonheads.com/;s=hvj_Qi6_MeSwWT15YOWhMg04/news/default.asp?storyId=23412



<Modnote: Threads Merged>

zuroph

jesus, I thought this was a tasteless AF gag...


RIP

Muas Tenek

I thought that he was a fictional character from the Adrian Mole book - then I saw the trucks over here (Ireland for our foreign visitors) hauling for Tesco and realised he was real :eek:.
Requiescat In Pace my trucker friend

Homer

There's a thread already on this on the next page.

stick shooter

dam:eek:

corktina

RIP...the mans a legend only just getting into his stride.

godtabh

I dont get the Eddie Stobart joke.

Some people say I dont get jokes but thats not the point

mike65

Norbert Dentressangle is bound to see an opportunity....