MILTON KEYNES, United Kingdom — ATM veteran and international entrepreneur Tom Hannon passed away over the weekend after a short illness.

Tom was chairman and founder of the Hanco Group, which includes Hanco ATM Systems, the largest supplier of ATMs in the UK. 

Hannon pioneered the concept of merchant-fill ATMs and together with his family, grew his Atlanta-based operations to become one of the leading independent ATM providers in North America. The Hannon family sold their United States portfolio to e-Funds in 2002 to focus on what he recognized as a strong European opportunity. Hannon took his successful business model to Europe, starting with the UK and most recently in the Netherlands.

Those who worked with him said his concept was straightforward: keep things simple and give the best in customer service. 

"Triton's long relationship with Tom started nearly 10 years ago in the U.S., as Tom took the challenge to become a founding entrepreneur in the earlier days of our industry," said Brian Kett, president of Triton. "Following his success in the U.S., as the founder, principal owner and visionary leader of Hanco Systems, Tom built the most successful ATM deployment company in the United Kingdom and into the other European markets."

Kett added, "Hanco's strong executive team, including his sons TJ and Todd, will miss Tom's neverending enthusiasm, his unique candor and terrific knowledge of our industry. Triton will dearly miss a very valued friend and trusted partner."

Todd Hannon will assume the role of chairman of the Hanco Group; TJ Hannon will continue to act as executive vice president. Travis Hannon will join the company as a non-executive director.

Terry Turner continues his role as chief executive, with a senior management team consisting of Pat Peasgood, Mark Claremont, Clive Barnes, Jonathon Collingwood, Rob Grouse and Brian Wilkinson. All will remain in their existing roles.

Tom Hannon graduated from High School in Cobb, Wis., in 1960 where he was an all-state basketball player. After a tour in the army, Tom became one of the youngest persons accepted to the K-Mart management program. In 1970 his entrepreneurial spirit took hold and he embarked on several ventures, including international dealing in capital equipment and restaurateur, before founding Hanco Systems in 1991.  

"My father was able to realize his dreams for the ATM business, but his real enjoyment was his family and what we will miss most is his sense of humor and passion in all of his pursuits," said TJ Hannon.

"Our father had a very clear vision of the future," said Todd Hannon. "While this is a very sad moment for our family and our company, there is no change in our long-term strategic plan to be the leading independent ATM provider in Europe. We are focused on honoring my father's legacy through the growth and development of Hanco."

Tom is survived by his wife Linda, five sons, two daughters and nine grandchildren.

A memorial service for colleagues and friends in the UK will be held at 14.00 on Jan. 28 at Church of Christ the Cornerstone, 300 Saxon Gate West, Milton Keynes, MK9 2ES.

Hannon's funeral is scheduled for 2 p.m. Feb. 4 at Christ Our Shepard Church, 101 Peachtree Parkway North, Peachtree City, Georgia 30269.  Arrangements are being made by Carmichael-Hemperley, 135 Senoia Road, Peachtree City, Georgia, 30269. 

In lieu of flowers, donations are being collected for The Department of Critical Care Charitable Fund at Milton Keynes General Hospital and can be sent to H W Mason & Sons, Bridge House, 97 Victoria Road, Bletchley, MK22PD.