Patrick Luciani, the founder of TravelOnly, passed away on April 26 at the age of 76.

In celebration of Patrick’s life, The Luciani family asked members of the TravelOnly family and travel community to share photos or memories with Patrick on their Facebook page, which had hundreds of engagements.

“Some say actions speak louder than words, but when we lose someone, it’s the words that tell the story of a life, and ever since the news broke about Patrick, the words have been flowing — in phone calls, cards, text messages, emails, on social media. And the same words keep coming up over and over again: kind… gentle… charming… charitable… vibrant… nonjudgmental. And then there’s the word lucky. But to say Patrick was lucky suggests that all his good fortune just fell into his lap. That was absolutely not the case. This was a man who earned his luck. Maybe even manifested it. That’s what happens when you live by the motto… anything’s possible.”

When asked to share some thoughts on Patrick, Pat Probert and Mary de Almeida of Bob Family Travel, TravelOnly, described him as an amazing family man, not only to his entire family, but as a father figure to many of his TravelOnly family.

“Patrick’s passion for the travel industry was exceptional as was his love for travel. Patrick enjoyed reminiscing about the wonderful travel adventures he had shared, with the love of his life and sweetheart, Ann,” the pair told Travel Courier. “It’s hard to believe that their most recent trip to Portugal just a few weeks back would be their last trip together. We were blessed to have known Patrick for the past ten years and for being able to travel to different parts of the world with him, Ann, Greg and many of the other top producers at TravelOnly. Patrick has left us all with dreams and goals to share the love of travel with all of those around us. Patrick would often call and see what was new or talk about new ideas but more importantly, he would always want to know how we were doing – he was always very genuine, caring and kind-hearted.

“Patrick enjoyed being part of the fun when he was around his TravelOnly family. There was a time last year, when a number of us were in Mexico cheering on a Leaf game and Patrick joined the festivities by donning some fun Leaf gear in support of the team. This was who Patrick was, always there when anyone needed him, whether it was cheering on the Leafs or cheering on his TravelOnly agents or his family who he loved dearly. Patrick was never too busy to talk to anyone and always with a warm greeting and a radiant smile. Patrick will be sadly missed by his loving family, by his TravelOnly family and so many in the travel industry — we have truly lost a visionary and the knowledge that Patrick took with him will be hard to replace. We will all carry on Patrick’s legacy of kindness, enthusiasm and passion for travel and we will always think of him fondly as we move forward without him. Patrick will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him.”

Meanwhile, travel industry professional Dana Gain, who got to know and spend time with Patrick during her tenure with Norwegian Cruise Line and Air Canada Vacations, says she’s a better person for having known him.

“Watching Patrick engage with his extended family at TravelOnly gatherings was a sight to behold. He would be sure to personally connect with every single person that attended. Unlike the sometimes-insincere glad-handing of a politician, Patrick brought authenticity to every encounter. If Patrick was talking to you, he was talking only to you,” she wrote in a blog post. “Patrick had a vision for the travel industry that took us many years into the future. His legacy will continue to live on not just in his wonderful family and in TravelOnly, but throughout the entire industry. The foundation of respect Patrick garnered extended from coast to coast, across country borders, and beyond business. To Patrick, everyone was family… For all that you were to me and so many others, Patrick, thank you. I’m grateful to have known you these past thirteen years, and I know I’m a better person today for having done so.”