Eddie Stobart, probably the most famous name in UK haulage, has died at the age of 95.
Born in 1929, he grew up on the family-run farm at Hesket Newmarket, south of Carlisle. He married Nora Boyd in 1951 and had four children.
In 1960, he went into business as an agricultural contractor. The first lorry arrived that year, a second-hand Guy Invincible four-wheeler, which was repainted red and green.
Eddie Stobart built up a small fleet but found that during the quieter summer months his trucks were used on other work. This led to Eddie Stobart Ltd being set up in 1970 as a haulage business.
His sons soon got involved. Edward took over the transport business in 1976, aged 21, and William joined the following year.
After selling most of his trading interests in 1980, Eddie Stobart took a step back from the firm to invest in an industrial warehouse near Carlisle.
He remained the chairman of the group until 1989 when he retired, leaving Edward and William to propel the business forward. At its peak it ran more than 2,700 trucks, moved into warehousing and opened up new depots across England and Scotland.
Eddie Stobart passed away on 25 November.
