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, passed away at the Hospital on Saturday 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 Jersey 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.
“He made it his mission to give back to the community”
On his 76th birthday, Sir David said he would leave his entire fortune to older people when he died.
Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham was among those to pay tribute, describing Sir David as a “truly remarkable man”.
It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of Sir David Kirsch. Sir David was a truly remarkable man who used his wealth to better the lives of so many, particularly the elderly.
— Dep. Lyndon Farnham (@lyndonfarnham) March 2, 2026
He loved Island life and saw it as a great privilege to live here, and because of this he made… pic.twitter.com/j7dlGUcVei
“He 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,” he added.
“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.”