Sir Ian Wood dead: Billionaire Scots oil tycoon dies aged 84

BILLIONAIRE Scots oil tycoon Sir Ian Wood has died aged 84. The businessman passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at home. Sir Ian Wood has died at the age of 84 Credit: PA The businessman with Prince Philip in 2013 Credit: PA Sir Ian was one of Scotland’s wealthiest people, and ran the Wood Group company based in Aberdeen. He earned his fortune in the North Sea oil industry where he built up the engineering and consulting company. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! In a statement from his family, Sir Ian has been described as a “devoted husband, father and grandfather”. It read: “While many knew him as an entrepreneur, philanthropist and one of Scotland’s most influential business leaders, those closest to him will remember above all his kindness, generosity, determination and unwavering commitment to his family.” The family added: “Despite his many achievements and honours, Sir Ian remained proudest of his family. “He was a devoted husband to Lady Helen for 55 years, a loving father to Nic, Graham and Garreth, and grandfather to their seven children. “He was not only a source of wisdom, encouragement and strength to his family, but to so many others who knew him. “The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the healthcare professionals who cared for Sir Ian and to the many people and colleagues around the world, who have offered support, friendship and kindness throughout his life. Most read in The Sun “Sir Ian’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, the organisations he helped build and the values he championed throughout his life. “The family respectfully requests privacy at this time as they mourn his loss. May the tea in Heaven always be ‘extra hot’.” The company started as a family fishing business before Sir Ian took over in 1967. Over the next decades, he formed a separate engineering company servicing the rapidly-growing North Sea oil business. At its height, the Wood Group was valued at more than £5 billion, carrying out work in the energy industry around the world. Sir Ian, who retired as chairman of the group in 2012, was knighted in 1994 for services to the oil and gas industry. He was later made a member of the Order of the Thistle, Scotland’s highest order of chivalry. His philanthropic work was carried out through the Wood Foundation, which he founded in 2007. The foundation is involved in a number of investments and charitable work around agriculture and conservation in east Africa, as well as projects in Scotland. Comment now