John Hughes, who served as legal counsel to the USTOA for 31 years, died Aug. 18.
"No one has been a more passionate spokesman for our core value of 'Integrity in Travel;' no one has helped us navigate more of the transitions and challenges we have faced; and no one has been a great friend to more of us than John," Charlie Ball, the executive vice president of Holland America Group who
is currently serving as the USTOA's chairman, said in an email to
members.
His role as a resource and advocate "does not begin to describe his influence on our association," Ball wrote.
Most of Hughes work as an attorney was in real estate, but he had a strong affinity for travel and tour operators. A recently naturalized citizen of the U.S., the Canadian-born Hughes was a lifelong ice hockey fan, and his daughters Emily and Sarah were both Olympic skaters, with Sarah Hughes winning a gold medal in 2002.
Additional information will be posted in the USTOA "Members Room" area on the USTOA's website.