Raymond Leibman, founder of Just Cruising, has died at the age of 82.
George Argyropoulos, founder of GSA Cruises International, had a 30 year business relationship and friendship with Raymond. George had this to say:
“Raymond and I met in 1996, when he had just returned from a Royal Carribbean cruise, and he told me in no uncertain terms that he would start a business specialising in retailing cruise holidays, which he would name ‘Just Cruising’, and he asked for my support. I did not have high hopes at the time, but I offered Raymond my full support. And within a month, he had proven me wrong! Within a few years, Just Cruising had become our top customer with a turnover at least double that of our second-best account
Raymond was an astute businessman but to me he was a dear friend and a wise mentor. He was the one who put cruising on the map and made it available to countless South Africans. He was a gentleman. His word was his bond. In 30 years we never put anything in writing. I knew and he knew and that was enough.
Raymond was always humble and always had a good word to say about my team members at Cruises International. Goodbye my dear friend. You will always be in my heart.”
Raymond is survived by his wife Gail and his four children.
