14/05/2024
It is with great sadness that Rocky Mountain Holiday Tours announces the passing of our beloved company founder, Gary Schluter. Gary passed away on May 1st doing what he loved, travelling. He was on an extended trip through Indonesia. Our hearts go out to his family, his friends, and his loving husband, Tio.
Gary spent over 50 years in the tourism industry, starting his career while in college working at Yellowstone National Park during the summer seasons as a tour guide. His long and very full career sent him on travels around the world and was celebrated with numerous awards and accolades. While Gary was instrumental in countless initiatives that encouraged growth for the international inbound tourism industry, his kind, caring, and fun-loving spirit is what stood out most, and he was loved by so many of his friends from all around the world.
While attending IPW travel trade show in Los Angeles, CA this past week, we were approached by so many of you, our industry friends and partners, expressing sadness and shock at hearing the news. It has been a very sad time here at RMHT, and it was heartwarming to hear the countless wonderful stories and memories that were shared with us. Those of us at RMHT who had the pleasure of working under his direction and leadership considered him a mentor, and we owe our careers to Gary. We learned at IPW, not surprisingly, that Gary was also a mentor to, and helped shape the careers of so very many others in the industry.
We have all lost a wonderful friend and mentor, and he will be greatly missed throughout the tourism industry. As many have said throughout the years, Gary was nothing short of a legend in this industry, and his legacy will live on though all those who continue to work together to share travel to the United States with the world. Cheers to Gary and the lasting impact he will have on this industry for decades to come!
A celebration of life service will be held on June 8th in Denver, Colorado. Time, location, and other details will be announced shortly. If you plan to attend, please reach out to Chris to let him know, as the family is attempting to estimate attendance.