It is with sadness that I advise the global travel and tourism research community of the passing of Professor J. R. Brent Ritchie (University of Calgary, Canada). Brent passed away in Calgary on December 17. I had the great pleasure of working closely with Brent over several years in the 1990s while I was employed at the University of Calgary and for a period thereafter.

Brent was a true pioneer of the scholarly study of travel and tourism. His scholarly impact over decades was enormous. His impact on many fellow academics and students was profound.

An obituary for Brent is included below. Also attached is a portrait of Brent written by Professor Simon Hudson a few years ago and who also worked closely with Brent for many years as a University of Calgary colleague.

It is important to note the extremely significant role that his wife, Rosemary, and family played in Brent’s life. Rosemary was Brent’s rock. Rosemary’s incredible support enabled Brent to flourish academically.

The travel and tourism research community has lost a great pioneer, researcher, educator, mentor, colleague, and leader. But his legacy remains for years to come.

EMERITUS PROFESSOR GEOFFREY I. CROUCH, Ph.D.
Emeritus Professor of Tourism Policy and Marketing
Editor of the Journal of Travel Research
Email: geoffrey.crouch@latrobe.edu.au
Fellow of the International Academy for the Study of Tourism

An online version of the obituary, with an opportunity to leave messages of remembrance and condolences, can be found here.