Tuesday, February 18, 2025
BearsTravel

In Loving Memory of Captain Dave with Bear Voyages

From an early age, Dave had a desire to see the world, and after college, he joined the airlines which deepened his desire to travel the world. He later worked as a project manager for a while to pay the bills and in 2012 decided to purchase a travel franchise from Cruise Planners. He worked hard to grow his agency – Cruises by Dave and in 2019 he had a brilliant idea to combine his Bear Tribe with his passion for travel and voila – Bear Voyages was born.

His tagline on www.bearvoyages.com is Travel with your Tribe. He organized a few very fun trips for his Bear Tribe! And there are 2 more on the books for 2025 and 2026. In mid June of 2024, Dave went in for a minor surgery on a Tuesday and unexpectedly he passed away that Friday (June 14). I think if we could talk to Dave, no one would be more surprised than him.

First Cruise with Cap’N Henry in charge

His Cruise Planners friend and colleague (Susan Rutan) stepped up to help with clients needing assistance and worked with Dave’s sister as she went through the probate courts. The Cruise Planners Home Office also jumped in to assist clients. In September of 2024, Susan Rutan – owner of www.apassion4travel and a Cruise Planners franchise, took on his profile to make sure all clients were cared for. She brought on Henry Tietz (Dave’s good buddy that helped start Bear Voyages) to continue Dave’s passion for Bear Voyages.

Cap’N Henry and the Gang in Oct 2024

Cap’n Henry now is the front person researching cruises, promoting and booking Bear Voyages. His information is on the bearvoyages.com website. Henry lives in the North Park neighborhood of San Diego and he and Susan are both honored and excited to carry Dave’s Bear Voyages’ vision forward! Cap’n Henry led the first Bear Voyage group since Dave’s passing last September in the Mexican Caribbean, and by all accounts it was a hit! The next Bear Voyages is on Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady on July 13, 2025! Come join us!

For more information on all the cruises. head to bearvoyages.com

BWM Staff

Our Staff Writing Team works hard to bring you great content and share news & events from the bear community and beyond.

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