Barney and Esther Singer, husband and wife for 65 years, both passed away recently following a battle with COVID-19. Barney died on December 31 and Esther on January 5.
Barney, a chartered accountant, bought Embassy Travel and then found a passion for the travel industry. His was one of the founders of SARTAC (Southern African Retail Travel Agents Consortium) which became Sure Travel, in which he played a pivotal role.
Barney was an active Asata member and served the body in many capacities, including as its representative for UFTAA (Universal Federation of Travel Agents Associations). He was one of the founding members of XL Travel and was its Honorary Life President.
Esther played a major role at Embassy Travel as a consultant. She was adored by clients and industry colleagues alike. She headed up the Kibbutz Adventure Project that facilitated working holidays and volunteer programmes on Kibbutzim in Israel.
Barney and Esther were a well-known couple in the industry, who gladly gave of themselves and their time for the greater good.
Their personal and professional achievements have left an indelible mark on the South African tourism industry. They are survived by their children, Leon, Jill and Brian, daughter-in-law Lee-Anne, and their five grandchildren.
Information taken from The Jewish Report.
