Christian businessman Eddie Stobart, founder of one of the UK’s most recognizable lorry firms, passed away on November 25 at the age of 95.
Born in Cumbria in 1929, Stobart launched his business in 1946, initially distributing fertilizer. Over the decades, his company grew into a multimillion-pound empire, known for its iconic green and red trucks and its tradition of naming vehicles after women.
Stobart’s Christian faith profoundly shaped both his personal life and the ethos of his business. He met his wife, Nora, at a Bible rally in Carlisle, and the couple married on Boxing Day in 1951. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and community. Even after retiring in the 1970s, Stobart remained active in his local church near Carlisle, where he and Nora continued to live.
Despite the fame his company achieved, Stobart maintained a humble outlook. Reflecting on the business’s success, he once remarked that had he known the brand would become a national icon, he might not have named it after himself.
Eddie Stobart’s legacy extended through his son Edward, who took over the business in 1973 and played a pivotal role in expanding its operations. Under Edward’s leadership, the company’s vehicles became a phenomenon, inspiring a wave of “Stobart spotting,” where fans would track and wave at the trucks, often receiving cheerful honks in return.
Stobart is survived by his daughter Anne and his son William. His late son Edward, who passed away in 2011, is remembered for his contributions to the family business.
Eddie Stobart leaves behind a legacy of faith, humility, and innovation, forever etched in the roads of Britain and the hearts of those who admired his iconic brand.