JERSEY businessman and philanthropist Sir David Kirch KBE – whose trust distributes vouchers twice a year to elderly Islanders – has died aged 89.
Sir David, who was knighted in 2013, died at the Hospital after a period of illness. The work of the trust that he set up to support older Islanders – through the distribution of vouchers and funding the building of homes for the elderly – will continue.
Sir David moved to the Island in 1973 after a successful career in UK property. Turning 70 in 2006, he celebrated the occasion by giving £100 of Coop vouchers to every Islander aged 70 and over at Christmas and Liberation Day.
Picture: DOMINIC LIPINSKI/PA WIRE
On his 76th birthday, he said he would leave his entire fortune to older people when he died.
Former JEP deputy editor Richard Heath helped Sir David pen his autobiography ‘My Lease on Life’, which was published in 2021.
“His business acumen was matched only by his generosity”
Paying tribute, Mr Heath said: “David was a hugely successful businessman who was actively involved in his companies until recent weeks.
“He was one of the most determined and hardworking people I have ever met. He always used to say to me that he loved making a deal – it didn’t matter whether it was a few hundred quid or millions of pounds – he just loved making money. And he was very good at it.”
PICTURE: TONY PIKE (41677028)
Mr Heath added: “He also lived a truly remarkable life. When we were working on the book, there were occasions when he would rattle off an anecdote that was so extraordinary I found it hard to believe. But then he would dig out a newspaper cutting or some other note… he kept records of pretty much everything.
“His business acumen was matched only by his generosity. He started his charitable trust in the late 1980s and began donating to causes for the elderly and building homes for older people – he really became known for the vouchers he gave away to the elderly.
“He was a truly remarkable man and was the greatest philanthropist Jersey has had in modern times.”
“The Island has lost one of its greats”
On hearing the news of the death of Sir David, Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham, who is also the chair of charity Age Concern, issued the following tribute to the philanthropist.
“It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of Sir David Kirch. Sir David was a truly remarkable man who used his wealth to better the lives of so many, particularly the elderly.
“He really loved Island life and saw it as a great privilege to live here and because of this, he made it his mission to give back to the community.
“There are few others who have done so much for elderly Islanders in Jersey. The Island has lost one of its greats – but his name will live on in the work of his charitable trust.”
“His generosity was rare and inspiring”
Also paying tribute, Coop chief executive officer Mark Cox said: “It is with great sadness that we say farewell to a truly remarkable and generous man. His kindness and compassion towards the elderly members of our island community were exceptional.
“Since 2006, the Coop had the great privilege of working alongside David in support of his extraordinary commitment to providing vouchers to pensioners at Christmas and on Liberation Day, a tradition that reflected his dedication to the Island’s elderly community.
Picture: TONY PIKE (41677009)
“His thoughtfulness helped ease the burden for many, especially during occasions that should be joyful but can prove difficult for those living on limited incomes.
“The difference he made was profound not only in the practical assistance he gave, but in the powerful message behind it: that our elderly residents are valued, remembered, and deeply appreciated.
“His generosity was rare and inspiring, a true reflection of his selfless nature. David leaves behind a lasting legacy of kindness that will continue to resonate in the lives he touched and within the community he cared for so deeply. He will be greatly missed by everyone at the Coop and will never be forgotten.”
