TORONTO — A long-time member of The Travelweek Group team, and a much-loved contributor to the company’s success, has died.
Denys Cruz passed away Jan. 29, 2021 at the age of 62 after a battle with cancer.
Denys was Vice-President of Operations for ENVOY, Travelweek Group’s warehousing and distribution division.
Glen Harwood, ENVOY’s President, said that right from the start, Denys was well-liked by colleagues and clients.
“Denys started working at ENVOY over 20 years ago and it became quickly apparent that he was someone special,” he said. “Denys always had a smile on his face, was very personable and had a great sense of humour. He would always make any visitors to ENVOY feel welcome and treat them like they had known each other for years.”
THE TRAVELWEEK TEAM REMEMBERS DENYS CRUZ
While Denys spent much of his time at ENVOY’s Eastern Canada warehouse in Etobicoke, ON, he was also a regular and welcome presence at Travelweek’s head offices in Toronto.
“Denys was a wonderful and caring man,” says Travelweek Publisher, Devin Kinasz. “I’ve known him since I was a kid. He’s been an integral part of growing all the Travelweek Group businesses and was a huge support to my father in many different ways. He will be truly missed – his personality, his jokes, his smiles – and we’ll all continue to hold fond memories of him.”
Denys was so professional, and at the same time he had such a great sense of humour, said Travelweek Editor Kathryn Folliott. “He was smart and helpful and he really had a way with people. We will really miss him.”
Annie Cicvaric, Travelweek’s Director of Business Development and Content Strategy, said, “I will truly miss Denys’ jovial camaraderie that we shared over the 14 years that we worked together. His warm smile will never be forgotten.”
Marie Mercado, from her desk at the front of Travelweek’s offices, was always the first one to see Denys walk through the door. ”I will remember Kuya Denys as being kind and full of sense of humour,” she said. “He was a dedicated co-worker and a friend who was always willing to help. He’s been like a big brother to me and will be missed.”
“Denys was loved and respected by everyone at Travelweek and ENVOY,” said Gerry Kinasz, Chairman, The Travelweek Group. “He was a major contributor to the success of both companies. He was an ‘all-rounder’, no job was too big or too small. We’ll all miss Denys very much.”
LEADERSHIP, AND MENTORSHIP
Harwood said Denys provided leadership to ENVOY’s employees, serving as a mentor to many. “They all looked up to him,” he said.
Denys was also very professional with clients, “and at the same time he was able to develop close relationships with them,” he added.
Denys will be missed by his family, Grace, Pao, Ia, and Junji.
