TULSA, Okla. — Burt Holmes, Co-Founder of QuikTrip, has passed away. He was 94 years old.
QuikTrip Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Chet Cadieux gave the following statement about Burt Holmes’ passing:
“In 1958, Burt came up with the CRAZY idea to open a convenience store. We are extremely fortunate that he did because it created opportunities for so many people who make our company what it is today. On behalf of our 31,000 employees, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude. We will miss you Burt, but we will never forget you.”
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond also made remarks on Holmes’ passing on Wednesday, stating he has long been one of the state’s leading entrepreneurs.
According to the Tulsa Historical Society, Holmes and Chester Cadieux co-founded QuikTrip Corporation in 1958. QuikTrip has become one of the country’s most successful convenience store networks.
He had a degree from the University of Tulsa.
“In 2010, The University of Tulsa’s Collins College of Business named Holmes the Outstanding Entrepreneur for his dedication to life-long learning, entrepreneurship, and support for the arts, education, and community,” Tulsa Historical Society said.
Holmes previously served as founder, owner or director of:
- Hurricane Trading Company
- Gas Energy Development Co.
- Day Schools Inc.
- Healthfood Associates/Akin’s
- Utica National Bank
- National Bank of Commerce
Holmes promoted Tulsa’s first high-rise suburban office building, the Southland Financial Center.
According to Tulsa Historical Society, Holmes was also past chairman and director emeritus of The University of Tulsa’s board of trustees, past chairman and director of the Gilcrease Museum Association, The University of Tulsa Alumni Association and Family and Children’s Services, former director of the Tulsa Philharmonic, Palmer Drug Abuse Program, Thornton Family YMCA, Greenwood Cultural Center, and Phillips Theological Seminary.
He served as a director of the Tulsa Botanic Garden and First Oklahoma Bank as well.
According to his bio on Tulsa Historical Society’s website, Holmes described his partner, Dr. Mary Lee Townsend, as “the love of his life for the last 17 years.”
He was a father of five: Jeff, Julia, Janice, Joan, and the late Jennifer and had “numerous” grandchildren.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s remarks on Holmes’ passing:
“Oklahoma has lost a true giant with the passing of Burt Holmes,” Drummond said. “Wendy and I greatly cherished his friendship. Although he made tremendous wealth as a co-founder of QuikTrip and as the owner of The Holmes Organisation, he was passionate about good governance, education and the arts. Burt did not suffer fools, and if he believed you needed chastisement, he would gladly oblige – in spades. But if he believed you were a positive contributor to society, even in the smallest increment, you could count on Burt to encourage you and elevate your cause. He was one-of-a-kind, and he will be greatly missed.”