Long-time travel industry leader Frank V. Dennis passed away January 15 at the age of 80.
He was a food industry executive in the early part of his career, holding roles including President of Del Monte Foods and Senior VP, Canada Packers. Dennis entered the travel industry in 1991 by purchasing the franchise rights to Uniglobe's Eastern Canada Region.
Over the next 25 years, Dennis was responsible for significant growth of the master franchise, while playing an important role in the overall industry, including as the first Chair of the Travel Industry Council of Ontario.
He was a mentor and inspiration to many younger people in the industry and a fixture at industry golf tournaments, one of his abiding passions.
"Frank was very charismatic, had a warm personality, was someone to look up to and was loved by everyone he met," said Sonia McKeon, Director of Marketing and Supplier Relations for Uniglobe (Eastern Canada).
McKeon said Dennis enjoyed spending leisure time at the cottage with his four grandchildren.
"Frank was an inspiration to all who knew him. He will be missed but never forgotten," McKeon said.
McKeon's colleague Joel Kopstick, Regional Vice President, UNIGLOBE (Eastern Canada), offered this tribute to a long-time friend.
"I absolutely loved working with Frank for over 22 years. He was smart, funny and the best boss and mentor ever. I will miss him dearly."
Jill Wykes is a travel industry veteran who held a series of senior management roles in travel corporations. A former chairman of the Travel Industry Council of Ontario, she is now an independent communications consultant and remembers Dennis fondly.
"Frank and I were on the OTISM committee that was formed to create a new regulatory body for Ontario's travel industry - TICO. We went on to be board members of TICO and Frank was the first chairman. He was smart and funny and a truly decent man. I'm so sad to hear of his death. Another industry icon gone."
Michael Pepper was the first person selected as CEO and registrar following the formation of TICO. He offered his memories:
"In addition to his time as Uniglobe CEO for Eastern Canada, Frank Dennis will be remembered as the first Chair of TICO when it received delegation from the government to self-manage Ontario's Travel Industry in 1997. Frank was a mentor to me and a true inspiration to the TICO board and to our travel industry. He will be sadly missed by many people."
Merit Travel founder and now private entrepreneur Michael Merrithew shared memories of Dennis on LinkedIn.
"Frank and I joined UNIGLOBE at the same time -- franchisor and franchisee -- and rode a 'great wave' together for many years. We remained friends and industry colleagues after my tenure at UNIGLOBE, working together at TICO and ACTA. It was a pleasure working with Frank and always an adventure. Rest well dear Frank."
"Brent Carnegie, Vice President of Canlink Travel Representatives and former tour operator executive, knew Dennis well and laments the loss of a trusted friend.
"So sad. We will miss such an awesome great friend. It feels like a part of us all is now missing. We'll miss you Frank. Rest In Peace."
Long time Indusrty leader John Kennedy said " He was a true Gentleman in every sense of the word! Always letting others win at Golf!"
TravelPulse Canada founder and president John Kirk says he remembers Dennis as "a youthful-minded mentor" to many who are now considered to be 'industry veterans.'
"He was as quick-witted and comical as he was shrewd. He provided many insights for me as I grew up in the industry and his contributions to the industry over his career will live on."
Kirk says Dennis loved to have fun, especially when hosting an annual golf gathering dubbed 'Yakfest' at his cottage in Lake of Bays. A rotating group of participants in addtion to those seen here included Eamonn Ferrin, Larry MacDonald, Richard Hotte, Doug Patterson, Peter Rooney, Ian Patterson and JC Girard.
"It was likely some of the most fun all of us had over our careers," Kirk said, "laughing so hard our abs were sore the next day."
The fun times were studded with Dennis's nuggets of wisdom to his younger colleagues.
"I would say the most memorable piece of advice he gave to all of us one evening was on finance. He said: 'Don't be an idiot, don't spend more than your earn… it'll never work… that's my advice.'" Kirk summed up: "RIP Frankie. Thanks for everything!"
Friend and former industry executive Richard Hotte added " Frank Dennis always made time for me on the phone or in person. Whether as a peer, when I was VP of Roos travel group and Vision2000 travel, or a supplier. He has been missed in the Canadian travel industry not a kinder a gentleman out there. Rest in peace my friend. "
Frank Dennis has left a legacy behind, and will not be forgotten.
Topics From This Article to Explore
