Ted Paul Goldenberg, a longtime travel industry leader and advocate, died Oct. 30. He was 72, according to his obituary.
Goldenberg, vice president of Chapman Cultural Tours, had a distinguished career spanning five decades in the travel and tourism industry, where he played a crucial role in developing educational group tours for students across Canada and the United States.
Goldenberg’s work in the industry included a focus on safety and ethics. He served as a board member for the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) from 2019 to 2023, chairing its Audit, Technology, and Risk Management Committee.
TICO CEO Richard Smart described Goldenberg as a “true gentleman,” who always brought valuable insights and a deep commitment to the organization’s mission.
Goldenberg’s contributions extended to the Ontario Motor Coach Association (OMCA) and the Student and Youth Travel Association (SYTA), where he chaired safety and international committees. OMCA noted that Goldenberg had consistently advocated for the motor coach sector and represented it at various industry gatherings.
He began his career in student travel as a driver in the mid-1970s, later moving into tour planning and operations in the 1990s before becoming an owner in 2007. Over the years, he organized tours across Canada and the U.S., progressing from driving and managing groups to eventually overseeing the company, according to a story for SYTA.
A former chair of the Nathaniel Dett Chorale’s board, Goldenberg balanced his professional accomplishments with civic involvement. Throughout his career, he remained dedicated to ensuring high service and safety in youth travel, from his early days as a motorcoach driver to his leadership role at Chapman Cultural Tours.
“His dedication to the industry was evident in every interaction,” Smart said. “Ted will be dearly missed by all who knew him.”
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Alice; his brothers, Norman and David; his nephew Ryan; and nieces, Lizzy and Samantha.
A graveside service is planned for 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, at Pardes Chaim Cemetery in Maple, Ontario.
