In Memoriam, with Aloha – Dr. Chuck Yim Gee
On May 16, 2019, the Pacific Asia Travel Association Hawai‘i Chapter lost PATA Hawai‘i Life Member and legend in Hawai‘i’s tourism industry, Chuck Yim Gee. Chuck was an outstanding educator, serving as TIM dean for the University of Hawaii, touching the lives of thousands in Hawai‘i and throughout the world. Chuck was an enthusiastic supporter of PATA and PATA Hawai‘i. Loquacious and friendly, Chuck’s presence invigorated chapter events and all those around him. Even when he could not attend, Chuck’s influence and generosity were felt as his auction donations from exotic Asian locations were always in high demand at our PATA and TTRA Hawai‘i Chapters Annual Industry Breakfast, benefiting the Visitors Aloha Society of Hawai‘i.
Dean Gee’s PATA lifetime achievement plaque can be seen at it’s permanent installation in the Gallery of Legends at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
University of Hawaii News – In memoriam: Travel industry visionary and leader Chuck Gee
University of Hawaii News – Legendary status conferred to Chuck Gee
| Dr. Mario Hardy’s statement on the passing of Dr. Chuck Yim Gee |
| On behalf of the PATA worldwide family, it saddens me to share with you the news that PATA Life Member Dr Chuck Gee has passed away on Friday, May 17, 2019 at the age of 86. Dr. Chuck Gee had a long and distinguished career, most notably as the co-founder and longest serving dean of the University of Hawai’i at Manoa School of Travel Industry Management (TIM) from 1976-1999, as well as serving on the University of Hawaii Board of Regents from 2009 to 2015. Throughout his lifetime, Chuck had received numerous awards including the Award of Excellence for Tourism Education from the National Tourism Administration of the People’s Republic of China, the Lifetime Achievement Award from Taiwan Tourism, the PATA Presidential Award and PATA Life Membership. In 2000, the Honolulu Star Bulletin named him to its list of 100 individuals who made a difference in the State of Hawaii during the 20th century for his work in education and tourism. In 2014, Dr. Chuck Gee was bestowed one of the highest honours from the Association, being named to the PATA Gallery of Legends for his lifetime achievement in establishing an important human legacy for the worldwide travel industry through education, training and research. Chuck was the co-author of the first and second histories of PATA, The Story of the Pacific Asia Travel Association. He also served multiple terms as Chairman of the PATA Honours Committee and, in 2000, was invited to serve as Chairman Emeritus of the PATA Honours Committee. Within PATA, his efforts resulted in the establishment of the Education Authority, the forerunner to today’s PATA Human Capital Development Committee, and the creation of the PATA Foundation to support PATA objectives in culture, education, and the environment. He also established the Executive Development Institute for Tourism (EDIT) programme at the School of TIM, the first significant programme for the development of executives in travel and tourism. Since 1979, EDIT has given rise to successive generations of new leaders involved in the regional growth of the industry. The entire PATA family sends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Dr Chuck Yim Gee. “I can say without equivocation that my involvement with PATA over some four decades has created a thousand memories for me to treasure. The experiences gained in observing the growth and development of this unique regional organisation are valuable in themselves, but to be accorded the privilege of assisting in the forging of its history even better. The behind-the-scenes debates and intrigues, the diverse personalities and wonderful friendships enjoyed, and the ups and downs over the course of PATA’s history offer teaching lessons that are nonpareil for one whose calling is in tourism and hospitality education”.Dr Chuck Yim Gee, from the book – My PATA My Story |
| Yours sincerely, |
| Dr Mario Hardy Chief Executive Officer Pacific Asia Travel Association |