Aberdeen's Sir Ian Wood dies aged 84 as family pay tribute to 'devoted husband, father and grandfather'

One of Scotland's most influential businesses leaders Sir Ian Wood has died at the age of 84.

The philanthropist, who ran the Wood Group company based in Aberdeen, earned his fortune in the North Sea oil industry where he built up the engineering and consulting company.

Sir Ian’s family said he died peacefully at his home yesterday evening.

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.

A statement from Sir Ian’s family said: “Sir Ian was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend.

“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 statement continued: “Born and raised in Aberdeen, Sir Ian dedicated his life to building opportunities for others.

“Through the growth of the business that bore his family name and through decades of philanthropic work, he sought to create lasting positive change both in Scotland and around the world.

“His commitment to education, enterprise and social impact led to the creation of The Wood Foundation and numerous other initiatives around the world which have helped young people, communities and families realise their potential.”

The 84-year-old was a husband to Helen for 55 years, a father to Nic, Graham and Garreth, and a grandfather of seven children.

The family thanked the healthcare professionals who cared for Sir Ian, adding: “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’.”

Swinney: 'Sir Ian helped shape modern Scotland.'

Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney, outlined how Sir Ian legacy "is one of enterprise, leadership and generosity."

He said: "Sir Ian Wood stands as one of Scotland’s most influential business leaders and philanthropists, a figure whose vision, determination and generosity have left a lasting mark on the nation and far beyond.

“Through his leadership of Wood Group, he helped transform a modest family business into a global energy services company, playing a pivotal role in the growth of the North Sea oil and gas industry and establishing Scotland as a world-renowned centre of energy expertise.

“His devotion to his home city of Aberdeen saw him champion initiatives that have strengthened the North East of Scotland and supported the evolution of the region’s economy through his tireless advocacy for economic development, innovation and opportunity.

“From promoting technology and skills development to helping drive the transition towards a lower-carbon future, he has consistently worked to secure long-term prosperity for future generations.

“Equally significant is his commitment to philanthropy.

"Through The Wood Foundation, established by Sir Ian and his family in 2007, he has invested in transforming the lives of young people at home in Scotland as well as improving lives in East Africa, applying the same ambition and focus to social impact that defined his business career.

“Sir Ian Wood’s legacy is one of enterprise, leadership and generosity. He has helped shape modern Scotland, strengthened its economy, advanced its energy industry and demonstrated the profound difference that purposeful philanthropy can make.

“I am deeply sorry to hear of his passing, and I want to express my profound sympathy to Sir Ian’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”

Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said: "Sir Ian Wood was one of Scotland’s finest sons. Ian was a giant of Scottish business, philanthropy and society.

"A proud son of Aberdeen, he was a tireless advocate for the Granite City and its people.

"Personally, it was a privilege to be able to know him, work with him on his philanthropic endeavours, and like so many Scots, I mourn his passing.

"My thoughts today are with Lady Helen, Nicholas, Graham, Garreth and the whole family for whom his loss will be most keenly felt."

Aberdeen South MP, Douglas Lumsden, said it was an "honour" to listen to Sir Ian

He said: "Scotland has lost a true guiding light of its business community.

"Sir Ian was a champion of everything North East, both as a paragon of its economy but also as a philanthropist who did so much good at home and abroad.

"He and his workers around the world forged an international reputation for excellence in energy.

"The Wood name also meant a helping hand to communities, wherever it went.

"It was an honour to listen to Sir Ian and learn from him when I served on the boards of Opportunity North East and the Aberdeen City Region Deal.

"I would like to offer my condolences to Lady Helen and the Wood family at this difficult time."