Former Funjet Vacations president Mike Going died on Tuesday after a three-year battle with a rare illness, his family confirmed. He was 63.
Going was remembered as a loyal colleague who made lifelong friends during a 36-year career that included senior roles at Air Jamaica, Alamo Rent a Car and Certified Vacations. Most recently he was a founder of MPG Travel Solutions.
"We all lost a great one," Ray Snisky, president of ALG Vacations, said Tuesday. "And while we knew it was coming, the finality is unforgiving. It is always a huge blow."
Snisky said Going was "was a person who always tried to make others around him comfortable. A true friend. He was passionate about family, friends and this industry. He could have given lessons on loyalty. I admired him as a husband, father and business leader."
In a testament to his character and reputation in the industry, a recent GoFundMe campaign raised more than $130,000 to help his family with medical expenses.
Jackie Friedman, president of Nexion, said Going not only made his mark on the travel industry as whole, "but more importantly, on the people who work in it.
"He always had an encouraging word or sage advice, and he delighted in celebrating the successes for the many travel advisors he touched throughout his career," she said. "I know I benefited personally from the many conversations we shared over the years. He led by example, and the results followed. He made his mark on our industry and will be truly missed."
Ken Pomerantz, who along with Going and Terry Morrison founded MPG, said Going "had a way of bringing energy to a room."
"Mike touched many lives and because of his exuberant personality made many lifelong friends," Pomerantz said. "Mike lived his life to the fullest and will be remembered for his commitment to service, marketing innovation, strategic thinking and robust sense of humor, which manifested itself in a remarkable number of corny jokes and sayings."
Going is survived by his wife, Nancy, children Kate and Connor and daughter-in-law Michelle.