Described as the "pied piper" of the Canadian travel industry and an integral part of Sunquest Vacations' early growth, Ronald (Ron) Herbert Harding has passed away at the age of 84.
Harding's death in a Collingwood, Ontario hospital came after "a life-altering accident," but his obituary says he was "surrounded by his loved ones who will continue to honour his legacy by living life with love."
Harding was the son of the late Herbert and Lilian Harding (Clark), late sister Bethany-Joyce, uncle to Simone Johnson (England) and great uncle to Sam and Joe Johnson. He was the cherished partner of Fran Kartechner, bonus father to Shari Richardson (Kartechner) of Meaford and William Kartechner of Dominican Republic.
In 1966, Harding launched Great Places, the first company to fly charters with Wardair, offering destinations brand new for Canadians, including Austria, Aspen, Saint Lucia, and San Juan.
The obituary describes Harding as "a visionary with the natural ability to market to individuals." As an example, it cites 'Ski Movie Nights' at the Austrian Club in Toronto, which became the impetus for filling airplanes of skiers for years.
In 1973 Sunquest Vacations founder Patrick Brigham recruited Harding to Sunquest Vacations and gave him rein to display his marketing talents on a much larger stage.
"There was simply no destination that Ron didn't conquer and have a ball doing so. His Pied Piper days had begun, but now included the hundreds of Sunquesters and people in the industry who happily followed and supported Ron," the obituary states.
Harding's charismatic nature continued to attract friends throughout his life. Close to a hundred friends and colleagues joined to celebrate his 80th birthday. "That kind of love and respect doesn't grow on trees," his obituary states.
"Love and respect are what Ron gave and received by everyone he encountered during his lifetime. As tribute to Ron, please try to find a way to help someone have a great day. Coinciding with his love of animal's contributions to local animal shelters would have pleased him," the statement concludes.
"When I joined Sunquest to do their PR in the early 90s Ron was a recognized travel industry marketing guru. He was always full of creative ideas and endless enthusiasm," says industry veteran Jill Wykes.
"But Ron was also a very kind and good natured man who cared about everyone around him - he took it upon himself to help me navigate my way in the company and I shall always be grateful to him for that kindness. Ron was the life of the party and I don't think they make them like him anymore."
Family gathering and celebration of life to take place in the spring. Friends may visit Ron's online Book of Memories.
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