Tom Leppard

Tom Leppard, born as Tom Wooldridge, also known as Leopard Man or the Leopard Man of Skye, (14 October 1935 - 12 June 2016) was an English-born soldier^[1] previously considered by Guinness World Records to be the world's most tattooed man.^[2] and later recognised as the most tattooed senior citizen.^[3] He is said to have spent £5,500 on his extensive body modifications, which cover his skin nearly entirely with a leopard-like coloured pattern. He stated he did not feel any affiliation with leopards, and selected spots solely because they were easy for tattoo artists to do on a grand scale.^[4]

After nearly 30 years service in the armed forces^[5] he moved from London to a small bothy (hut) without electricity on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, where he lived for 20 years until 2008.^[6] He would travel by kayak to the mainland to buy supplies and pick up his pension once a week. He then moved to a larger house in Broadford, Skye. followed by sheltered accommodation on the outskirts of the city of Inverness. He died aged 80 on 12 June 2016.^[5]

Notes

1. ↑ interview with Neil Stephen in the Guardian newspaper: The cat who came in from the cold (28 October 2008)
2. ↑ Lucky Diamond Rich is now acknowledged as the world's most tattooed person Guinness World Records. "Most Tattooed Person". Retrieved 2007-08-21. 
3. ↑ "Most tattooed senior citizen. (male)". Guinness World Records. Retrieved 2016-03-11. 
4. ↑ "Tom Leppard, tattooed man – obituary". The Telegraph. Retrieved 2016-12-09. 
5. 1 2 The Leopard Man of Skye Dies at Herald Scotland. Retrieved 14 June 2016
6. ↑ Tattooed Leopard Man leaves hermit lifestyle behind at Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 14 June 2016