THE TRAVEL industry has been paying its respects to Gerry Fernback, who died during the GBTAconference in Switzerland.
Fernback, director of Phoenix Travel in London, died last Monday of septicaemia.
Fernback worked in Hollywood as vice-president of Paramount Pictures before forming his first travel agency, Embassy Travel in Great Portland Street, London, in the 1960s.
He was chairman of ABTA’s Travel Agents’ Council between 1980-1984 and 1990-1991. He joined the GBTA at its inception in 1967, and was chairman of the GBTA in 1972 and 1984.
GBTA chairman Don Lunn said:”Gerry was the father of the industry and the champion of the small agent. He was a man of enormous vision and a great ambassador for the GBTA and indeed the industry at large.
“He was one of life’s true gentlemen who will be greatly and sadly missed. To me he was a great personal friend.”
GBTA Fellow Douglas Geddes said: “The Guild has lost a champion, but his memory will live on.”
He leaves his wife of 54 years, Elizabeth, two children, Kim and Graham and six grandchildren.
His funeral took place on Thursday.