The managing director of Coachholidays.com and boss of Wallace Arnold Worldchoice in Croydon, John Flin, has died from cancer aged 54.
Flin, whose career in travel spanned more than 30 years, passed away last week after becoming ill in June last year.
Flin joined the family business, then trading as Homeland Tours, in the late 1970s after leaving school when he was 18.
The business was later sold to Wallace Arnold Tours and eventually became Wallace Arnold Worldchoice selling tours from more than 70 operators.
Flin then set-up Coachholidays.com in 1997 with his father.
Flin’s sister, Elle Flin, who lives in Australia, flew back to the UK last summer and has been managing the family business since John was taken ill.
She said her brother had been in and out of hospital but the family had hoped he would recover.
“He was highly regarded by his peers and had a very good sense of humour, always making everyone laugh. He loved motorbikes and cars and, of course, coaches,” she said.
Flin also leaves behind a daughter who lives in France.
His funeral will take place on March 1 at Sussex and Surrey Crematorium, Crawley, at 3pm.
Did you know John? Please send your tributes to amie.keeley@travelweekly.co.uk