Travel industry colleagues have paid tribute to Robbie Smart, Bedsonline’s strategic account manager for Ireland, who died unexpectedly on November 25 aged 44.
He leaves behind his wife Emma and two daughters, Holly and Robyn.
Rebecca Brett, Europe retail director at Bedsonline, said: “Robbie was a well-known and much-loved part of the travel industry in Ireland, having worked for many travel companies during his career including Cassidy Travel, Travelport, Camino Ways and, of course, two stints here at Bedsonline.
“Robbie started his career at Bedsonline a number of years ago as a key account manager but left to pursue a new role.
“After the pandemic, Rob was working for a distribution firm so I asked him to re-join us here at Bedsonline in the newly created role of strategic account manager for Ireland.
“Luckily for me Rob said ‘yes’ and he was back where he belonged, doing what he loved.”
She added: “The outpouring of love and grief is testament to how well loved and thought of Robbie was. He was a real character and the life and soul of any occasion.
“We will fondly remember many an awards show or event where he would be the first up on the dancefloor, convincing us all to join in.
“I will fondly remember his aversion to rollercoasters – especially an unfortunate occasion at Port Aventura when he was green for the whole day after riding Shambala, and I know the team, whilst still reeling from this, will carry with them memories of late-night karaoke and rides in golf buggies to mention but a few.
“Robbie’s passions included travelling and golf but none of these came close to the love and pride he had for his family. His wife Emma and daughters Holly and Robyn were his absolute pride and joy and it’s an awful and unfair thing that has happened to them.”
She and colleagues paid their respects at his funeral last week.
Sharon Thompson, owner of Thompson Travel in Portadown, also paid tribute to him.
“We all held him in the highest regard and found him to be a true gentleman and friend,” she told Travel Weekly.
“Robbie always greeted you with a hug and a smile as we met up with him at many conferences, roadshows and award ceremonies.
“He was a devoted husband to his beautiful wife Emma and his two little girls, Holly and Robyn.
“As we watched his funeral remotely on what would have been his ninth wedding anniversary, our thoughts lay with the difficult road ahead for his family and how unpredictable life is.”