“She will be missed terribly”: Royal Caribbean, travel industry mourns the loss of Leanne Hill

The travel industry is mourning the loss of an individual who was known for her grace and infectious smile.

Leanne Hill, a strategic account manager for Royal Caribbean in Vancouver, B.C., sadly passed on Friday (Oct. 13) surrounded by the love of her family, according to a statement from Royal Caribbean International (RCI) on Monday (Oct. 16). She was 46. 

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share some tragic news about one of our beloved Royal Caribbean Sales family members,” RCI’s statement reads, noting that Leanne called Cobourg, ON "home," but has resided in Vancouver with her partner, Chris Averay, for many years.

“Family meant everything to Leanne, and she shared many stories about the treasured moments that they would share, especially during holidays at the family cottage where they had all just celebrated a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend together,” the statement goes on to say. “She loved her niece, Abbie, and her nephew, Ben, beyond measure and treated them as her own. Leanne also had two beautiful furbabies, her French Bulldogs named Lewis and Gary. They were the centre of Leanne and Chris’s world.”

"Admired by everyone"

Leanne joined RCI in the spring 2021. Previously, she was a business development manager for MSC Cruises, a sales manager for Sea Courses Cruises & Tours Sea Courses, as well as a risk analyst and product specialist for Flight Centre.

“Leanne loved her team, representing our brand, and being part of our Royal Caribbean family,” RCI said, noting that in the two short years she was on the team, “she accomplished so very much.”

“Her passion and fervor translated into being continuously recognized by leadership and the travel advisor community,” RCI said.

Leanne was awarded as a 2022 Top 10 President’s Challenge Winner, and as the Favourite Supplier Representative in Canada by Baxter Media.

“Leanne loved a challenge, worked incredibly hard and was admired by everyone who knew her,” RCI stated. “Leanne’s career in the travel industry spanned over twenty years and she built countless friendships, especially with all of you.”

Leanne’s dedication to her craft was second to none. “She was either on the road visiting accounts, training advisors, attending conferences, or hosting her accounts onboard a cruise,” RCI said. “She was a magnet – her grace and infectious smile attracted everyone to her, as she was easy to love.”

The RCI team is proud of everything Leanne accomplished and “the bond we all have as a team because of her.”

The statement from RCI is signed by Vicki Freed, senior vice president, sales support & service; Joanne Schimelman, vice president field sales & national accounts; Lisa Connell, director of sales, Canada Team Canada; Eric St-Pierre, national account manager, Canada; Kat Vezina, strategic account manager, Quebec; Maria Gibson, strategic account manager, Eastern Ontario; Nate Allen, strategic account manager, Central Ontario & Atlantic Canada; Mitch Merucci, strategic account manager, South Western, Northern Ontario & Ottawa; Chantal Rodriguez, sr. account executive, sales development, Canada; Germain Marchand, business development support; Gabriel Dechauffour, business development support; and Daniel Diaz, supervisor, business development support.

"Countless memories"

Other messages of love and adoration for Leanne are being shared across the greater cruise industry community.

Vancouver-based Shane Buksh, director of national accounts for North America at Seabourn, called Leanne his “work wife for over 15 years.’

“We travelled the world together both for work and pleasure, and created countless memories and endless laughs along the way,” Buksh told PAX. “Her dedication to her career, and friendships was clear to all who knew her.’

“To lose one of my closest friends is difficult, but I have so many memories with her that will last me my lifetime. Every time I will think of her, it will be with laughter and not sorrow.”

Anyone that would like to send a note of condolence to Leanne’s family may send them to the following address:

The Hill & Averay Family

1209 Ashland Drive

Cobourg, Ontario

Canada

K9A 5S4

The RCI team, meanwhile, is thanking everyone for their continued support of Leanne’s family, and the Royal Caribbean family, as they grieve during this difficult time.

“She will be missed terribly but will live in our hearts forever,” RCI said.  “Rest in Peace, sweet Leanne. We will carry you with us always.”

Leanne’s obituary and funeral details can be found here. A livestream link will also be available on the day of the service. 

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