[Smackeddie]

Former Carlisle haulage boss Edward Stobart dies in hospital

Edward Stobart – the man who transformed Eddie Stobart from small-time agricultural contractor to trucking giant – has died.

Edward Stobart

The Cumbrian-born businessman passed away in hospital yesterday after suffering a suspected heart attack. He was 56.

He was the driving force behind the creation of Eddie Stobart as the county’s biggest business brand, earning the Carlisle-based company its reputation as Britain’s ‘kings of the road’ and securing its cult following.

And as a mark of respect for a long-time club sponsor, Carlisle United players will wear black armbands for Sunday’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final at Wembley.

Mr Stobart led the firm, established by his father, Eddie, in Hesket Newmarket, into haulage and was its managing director for more than 30 years.

He sold the business – now part of the stock exchange-listed Stobart Group – to younger brother William and his business partner Andrew Tinkler in 2004.

The father-of-six, married to Mandy, had been living in Warwickshire, where he suffered heart problems on Wednesday.

He died at University Hospital, Coventry, at 8.10am yesterday.

News of his death was broken to Stobart Group staff, many of whom would have worked with him, shortly afterwards.

The company said it was with “great sadness and regret” that they shared the news.

A statement added: “Edward built Eddie Stobart Ltd into the iconic brand and business we know today. Our thoughts are with Edward’s wife Mandy, his children and family at this difficult time.”

Edward Stobart is also survived by his father and mother, Nora, who still live in Cumbria.

William Stobart maintains the family’s links with the Stobart Group as its chief operating officer.

The firm celebrated its 40th anniversary in November.

[Smackeddie]

theres even a stobart spotter club,,, just like train and plane spotters!!

http://www.clubstobart.co.uk/index.php