John McKenna, an icon of the travel insurance sector, died on Nov. 27. McKenna began his travel career at Air France, and then moved to Voyageur Travel Insurance where he served as president prior to its purchase by the Royal Bank of Canada. His career culminated as vice chairman of the board of directors of the RBC Insurance Group.

McKenna, age 86, died at Grand River Hospital, Kitchener, Ont., after a protracted struggle with vascular issues and cancer.

“John was a great mentor to me and many others in the industry,” long-time colleague Mark Linton told Travel Industry Today. “Always providing sage advice whether it be involving supplier negotiations, relationship management (internal and external), he had a unique presence wherever he was and at the same time sharing many hilarious life lessons and experiences.”

Linton recalls sharing “a jar” at The Bucket of Blood Saloon in Virginia City, Nevada during a retail conference they were attending: “(John) is standing three-deep at the bar and a prospector walks in (there were many and they all looked like ZZ Top) with his horse. Not a word of a lie. He orders two Buds, one for him and one for the horse and puts the bottle in the nag’s mouth and down she chugs it.

“We are standing there with our jaws on the floor, can’t really believe what we just saw. And then the horse bites McKenna on the shoulder! It didn’t do any damage, but John would tell the story many times over the years: ‘That bastard mule bit me right on the shoulder. She was strong mule!’”

Emmet Reidy remembered McKenna on LinkedIn. “Hired me, inspired me, coached and mentored me… rest in peace, Mr. McKenna, you have left an incredible legacy, so fortunate to have learned my trade from one of the masters,”

McKenna is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary-Ann, sons Mark and John, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren, his family remembers “a caring and loving man who adored his family, took pride in his Irish heritage, and loved its music and history.”

He also “enjoyed an occasional bad game of golf,” smiles Linton, and was a familiar figure on the travel industry tournament circuit.

A Celebration of Life is planned for June 25, 2022, at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 275 in Fergus, Ont. Charitable donations can be made directly at this branch. Messages and condolences may be left for the family at www.tricitycremations.com or 519-772-1237.