Industry remembers William Maguire

The Canadian travel industry is remembering former ACTA president William 'Bill' Maguire, who passed away March 19. He was 89.

According to ACTA, Maguire enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces (Reserve) in 1943 and started his military career in the army in 1944 as a driver-mechanic. He then transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy and served until October 1950, and in emergency reserve until 1957. While stationed in Belfast, he met and married his wife Doris in 1947.

His experience with travelling with the Navy followed by 25 years of travelling sales led Maguire to becoming a Certified Travel Counsellor (CTC), opening Maguire Travel from 1979-1999.

Maguire joined ACTA in 1982, becoming the first two-year president of ACTA Ontario and founder of the organization’s ID program. He served on the national board for 12 years as secretary-treasurer, four years as vice-president of aviation and president of ACTA national between 1991-1993. He was awarded a life membership in 1996.