'He was the best of the best' - Customers and staff pay tribute to Hays Travel founder John Hays

The award-winning businessman died aged 71 after collapsing at the Hays Travel head offices, in Sunderland, on Friday, November 13.

An outpouring of tributes have been paid to John, who co-owned Hays Travel with wife Irene, as Sunderland, the North East and the travel industry are shaken by the sudden loss.

From humble beginnings when he first founded the business in 1980, John built a travel empire which is now the UK's largest independent travel agent.

In 2019, following the collapse of Thomas Cook, the couple saved 2,000 jobs by buying up 555 of the operators high street branches.

Thousands of people have paid tribute to John including countless customers and staff members – both past and present.

Here are just some of their tributes:

Jacqui Moon: “He was a lovely genuine family man. He always had a smile on his face. I will always remember working for him with love! Best job I ever had. Condolences to his family and his staff who were his extended family.”

Pam Keogh: “Unbelievable, such a shock to hear about John Hays sudden passing, he booked our holiday – such a polite, genuine lovely man. Thinking of his wife, close family and friends at such a difficult time.”

Bryan Alderson: “So sad to read of the death of John Hays. I've been a loyal customer for many years and always had value for money. My thoughts are with Irene, family and staff. RIP John.”

Stephen Guy: “So sad. This family company stepped up to the mark to save thousands of jobs in the travel industry when others walked away. He will be a huge miss and I hope his family and business receive the support they deserve. RIP"

Joanne Reed: “Aw what a shame such a lovely and genuine person with what he did for not just us in Sunderland but all over the country. R.I.P to a true gent, thinking of all his family.”

Ruth Kelly: “So sad. What a lovely man. A hero for what he did during these hard times. Condolences to his family. He will be remembered for his lovely smile and kindness.”

Andrea Branson: “My first job here after leaving school. A lovely family who always showed their staff how much they were appreciated. Sad news.”

Andy Jan: “Rip John you were a genuine gent and put the region on the map. I remember garden parties in your garden lost for words.”

Paula Lee: “Thank Hays you have taken me to Europe and USA. Thanks for your service. RIP John.”

Amanda Taylor Saunders: “He was the best of the best, too too sad to be reading this. Thoughts are with Irene. He truly was a good guy.”

Angela Kehoe Smith: “A hero to the North East, always rely on his shops to find a good holiday at the best price, outdid all other travel agents, cared about his staff and those made redundant from other companies. He will be a big miss! Thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues. RIP.”

Anyone wishing to donate to the Hays Travel foundation in John’s memory can click here to do so.

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