The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
F1 star and philanthropist the Marquess of Bute
Former Formula One racing driver the Marquess of Bute has died at the age of 62 following a short illness.
John Bute spent much of his time on his namesake Scottish island, at his ancestral home, Mount Stuart, and had chaired the Board of Mount Stuart Trust since 2005.
Full name John Crichtonstuart, the 7th marquess, he was best known as the Formula 1 driver who raced under the name Johnny Dumfries and won the 24-hour Le Mans race in 1988.
The Marquess, worth an estimated £125 million, leaves behind his wife Serena Wendell and four children.
His family issued a statement describing him as a “devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, son and grandfather and loved by all”.
It also said: “The indomitable spirit and energy which Johnny brought to his life will be greatly missed, and the immense warmth and love with which he embraced his family.
“His heart was firmly rooted on the island of Bute where he spent much of his time.
“Johnny chaired the Board of Mount Stuart Trust from its active inauguration in 2005 when Mount Stuart and its gardens opened to the public, and its rural estate was vested into the charitable trust.
“He was a moderniser and an inspirational thinker, transitioning a family home to a progressive, working visitor facility and estate.
“His island projects include the internationally respected Bute Fabrics and, most recently, the Kerrylamont Centre for
Rural Excellence and Bute Yard. He was a philanthropist through his foundation, particularly focusing on Scotland and the West Coast.
“His family request privacy at this time.”
Formula One said in a statement: “Johnny Dumfries, 1958–2021.
“From a van driver for Frank Williams, to being Ayrton Senna’s team-mate, and Le Mans glory, his was an extraordinary life characterised by boundless spirit and energy.
“We send our condolences to his friends and family.”
Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle tweeted: “What the hell is going on, now we’ve lost Johnny Dumfries at 62.
“A member of our ‘rat pack’ group, full of life and vigour, always with such style. Wonderful man and a fast driver. Condolences to his family.”