Condolences began streaming in from across the country as news hit TLN’s Sue Urie passed away suddenly on 13DEC.

Urie, a vibrant and influential travel industry figure known for her boundless energy, passion, and expertise, died at the age of 70.

“As the Business Solutions Manager for Travel Leaders Network in Western Canada, Sue has always been an important part of our team since joining us in 2006. Many of you may remember celebrating a big milestone with her just last year—our 200th Owners & Managers Mixer event, which Sue led with such dedication and grace. She touched so many lives, and her warmth, commitment and contributions will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her,” TLN said in a statement.

“I am saddened at Sue’s passing and will be forever grateful to Sue for her dedication and service to our Company and for that, I will always be appreciative of her impact here. The Travel Leaders Network family offers our thoughts, prayers and support to the Urie family at this time,” John Lovell, President of  TLN, said. 

As Open Jaw learned in a Q&A with Urie, her interests and personality were as colourful as her career.

Born in London, Ontario, she made her mark in Western Canada after moving there in 1970. Her career in the travel industry began in 1973 as a reservations agent at Wardair in Edmonton, where she navigated the pre-digital era of telex machines and paper-based processes.

Over the decades, Sue earned a reputation for her dedication to building strong relationships with travel partners and colleagues, a hallmark of her tenure with Travel Leaders (TLN) since 2006. Her career highlights included taking bold risks, such as joining Points of Call, an airline startup that operated charters to destinations like Mexico and Hawaii.

Her adventurous spirit was evident in her love for travel, with the Galapagos Islands topping her bucket list.

Urie is remembered as a trailblazer with an infectious passion for life and the travel community she loved.

Messages of sympathy pour in on Facebook, each reflecting a common theme: Urie’s vibrant laughter and warmth will leave a lasting impact in an industry where she fostered not only connections but also lifelong friendships.

“Simply put, there can never be another Sue Urie,” a co-worker at TLN wrote.

Another writes, ” Sue was part of a handful of inspiring women who had a profound impact on how I navigate our industry. I am deeply saddened by the loss of such a wildly beautiful soul.”

A former Board member described Urie as “a force to be reckoned.”

“She poured herself wholeheartedly into everything she did, leaving a legacy that few could ever hope to replicate.”

Christine James, Vice-President Canada of Travel Leaders Network shared, “Sue’s unwavering commitment to her members was evident to all who knew her. Sue was passionate about her work and proud of her career spanning almost two decades. She always went above and beyond for her members, and they truly appreciated all her efforts. There’s no doubt that Sue will be missed by all her colleagues and friends.”