Farewell to a Travel Industry Luminary

With the passing of Rick Buecking on November 23, 2023, his family, his friends and business contacts from the travel industry have lost a remarkable person who impacted the lives of countless people, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, generosity and commitment to excellence.

Before founding his TLC Travel Leisure Consultants in 1982, Rick’s professional career started in the ‘70s with 12 years of honing inherent business, sales and marketing skills with CPAir, Philippine Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. Along the way, he developed relationships with hundreds of contacts including travel agents, hoteliers, suppliers and leaders of professional sports associations, of which many were cultivated into lasting friendships.

During the early ’80’s Rick’s business was booming with contracts to represent foreign tourist boards in Canada who looked to Rick to promote their destinations and offerings to Canadian travel professionals. They included the tourism bodies of Thailand, Macao, the Cook Islands, Fiji and Hawaii. Rick excelled at organizing annual national travel industry road shows, his “Sunsational South Pacific”, Hawaii and Fiji roadshows to name a few, all designed to educate travel professionals.

As a natural addition to the representation side of TLC, Rick promoted many hotels and resorts to his ever-growing network of Canadian travel professionals. This entailed the leading of frequent familiarization trips, an activity he thrived in conducting personally. Some of the most memorable included the Phoenician Scottsdale, Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia, the Crown Beach Resort and Spa in Rarotonga, the Watermark in Osoyoos and The Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island.

Rick was an active member of the Vancouver SKAL Club, a worldwide organization of travel professionals. Serving as its President for 1999 and 2000 showcases his leadership and dedication to the industry.

With a passion for sports, football and golf, Rick led many travel industry golf tours and created the very popular and successful Mexico Golf Classic.

Rick was a devoted husband to Ronda, a loving father to Richelle (Spencer) and Thomas, and a cherished brother to Peter and Tom. He leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends who will forever hold him in their hearts. Rick’s loyalty, compassion, generosity, and unwavering optimism touched the lives of all those around him. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. May his legacy continue to inspire and resonate with those who were touched by his presence. Rest in Peace, Rick.

Rick was frequently admitted to the Nanaimo Heart Function Clinic during the last two years as he fought with all the complications affecting his heart. In true Rick style, he took an interest in all the staff and knew them all by name. They in turn developed a special bond with Rick.The Heart Function Clinic is a team of Physicians, Nurses, Nursing Unit Assistants and other healthcare professionals who provide education, assessment, support and medical management for people living with heart failure in our community. Their goal is to improve survival and quality of life for people living with Heart Failure by working with them as part of the care team.

It was Rick and Ronda’s wish that in lieu of flowers, your generous donations would be made to these wonderful care people at the Nanaimo Heart Function Clinic.

A celebration of life for Rick will be held, Tuesday, January 9, 2024, from 11 am to 2 pm, at Speeds Pub in Delta BC.