In 1991, Tom was recruited as the Engineering Director for the Benetton F1 team which subsequently won the 1994 Formula One World Championship.
In 1995, he became the owner of the Arrows team and was voted AutoCar Man of the Year in 1997.
A big rugby fan, he would make the trip from his home in Oxfordshire to Kingsholm whenever he could with his family to support Gloucester.
Rugby union turned professional in 1996 and this brought new challenges for the Gloucester. Invited by the Club, Tom became Club Chairman in 1997 and set about ensuring that the Club maintained its position as one of the top clubs in the country.
Gloucester went on to win the Zurich Championship in 2002, the Powergen Cup in 2003 and the European Challenge Cup in 2006.
Tom was also instrumental in the biggest construction project in the Club's history, the redevelopment of the South Stand in 2007.
Tom's role in rugby stretched well beyond Kingsholm as he also served as Chairman of Premier Rugby from 1998-2002 and helped establish stability after a chaotic period for the newly professional sport.
During his four year tenure as Chairman, Premier Rugby introduced the salary cap and the average attendances in the Premiership increased by 33%.
His passion and vision led the clubs' team negotiating with the Rugby Football Union over the release of England players and a commercial structure that created a commercial vehicle for the healthy progression of English rugby.
His leadership in this role is widely recognised in establishing an English league that is widely regarded as one of the strongest in world rugby, a contributing factor to England winning the Rugby World Cup in 2003 and reaching the final in 2007.
An inspirational Chairman, Tom was always keen to advocate the wider role of Gloucester Rugby in the community adding his support to many childrens' and local charities.
Ken Nottage, Managing Director of Gloucester Rugby said today:
"It's a sad day for everyone connected with Gloucester Rugby and our thoughts are obviously with Tom's family at this difficult time."
"The role that Tom played in the early days of professional rugby cannot be underestimated and it's fair to say that Gloucester Rugby would not find itself in the strong position that it does today without his great leadership."
The Walkinshaw family are planning to hold a Memorial Service for Tom at Gloucester Cathedral in early February details of which will be communicated in due course.
