Mike Behan, former director in the Holiday Holdings group, has passed away at the age of 79.
Mike spent more than four decades with Holiday Holdings after joining the company two years after its launch in 1976. He began his travel career with Thomas Cook in the UK before emigrating to South Africa and becoming a key figure in the growth of the Holiday Holdings group.
Prior to his retirement, Mike served as a director across several registered companies within the group, including Holiday Holdings International, Holiday Travel, Holiday Tours, Holiday Leisure Marketing, Holiday Africa, Holiday Aviation, Go Australia and APG South Africa.
“Mike was deeply compassionate. He cared about people. Whether someone needed advice, encouragement or simply someone to listen to, he was there. Quietly generous with his time and his heart, he made a lasting difference in the lives of many people without seeking recognition,” said Gavin Simpson, former Owner/Group Managing Director of Holiday Holdings.
Behan played an instrumental role in helping build Holiday Holdings into one of South Africa’s largest privately owned, multi-disciplined and multi award-winning travel services groups.
He is survived by his wife Mary, his son David and his two daughters, Angela and Claire.
A memorial service will be held at 13h30 on May 28 at the NG Kerk, 3 Batavia Road, Bloubergstrand, Cape Town.
