The co-founder of the iconic gas station and convenience store QuikTrip died this week, according to a company spokesperson.
The spokesperson said Chester Cadieux died "peacefully" Monday night at his home in Tulsa. He was 84. The company did not release how the man died.
Full company statement:
"On behalf of the Cadieux family, we are deeply saddened to announce that Chester Cadieux peacefully passed away yesterday evening at his home in Tulsa. Chester's vision, keen wit, insistence on fairness, and marvelous ability to mentor people will never be forgotten. He humbly professed to be 'luckier than smart,' and over half a century Chester grew a small neighborhood convenience store into a company that is consistently recognized as one of the nation's best places to work. His secret: hire good people and promote from within. His greatest love was for his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by Chester's extraordinary gifts."
The first QuikTrip opened in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Sept. 25, 1958. It was founded by Burt Holmes who then convinced former classmate Cadieux to invest in the company, according to the company's website.
In 2002, the company's 400th store opened in Tempe, Ariz.
There are 91 QuikTrip locations within 100 miles of downtown Phoenix, according to a location finder on the company's website.
