'He'll be in our hearts forever': Tributes flood in for Thomas Cook stalwart Graham Bedford

Travel, though, was not Graham’s first calling. He entered the banking sector, and it was only his friendship with John Bond – who worked for Club 18-30 at the time – that led to him considering travel as a career option.

“Graham would spend his banking wages on holidays, and that was how he met John,” explained Gill.

“He gave up banking in London and became a Club 18-30 rep, earning £50 a month. I don’t think there was any comparison between banking and being a rep!

“Because he cared for the customers, he gave it everything. He loved being a rep. It was the best thing that he ever did because it got him into the travel industry.

“He worked incredibly hard but would always find time to spend with his family – and on the golf course.”

’True expert’

Banking’s loss was to be travel’s gain, with Graham embarking on a remarkable career, working in hotel contracting for ILG, Sunworld Holidays, JMC and Thomas Cook.

Belleair Holidays managing director Dave Green worked alongside Graham for more than 30 years. He called Graham “a genius” and “a true expert in his field”, adding: “His exceptional ability to cultivate respectful, long-term relationships with suppliers was unmatched.

“While driving a hard bargain, he ensured that both parties felt they had a fair deal, with contracts poised for success at the best market price.

“Graham’s skill at navigating commercial and cultural differences was invaluable during negotiations.

“He spoke Spanish and Italian fluently and French very well. He had a natural ability for languages. He had a gift that only a few people have.”

Green added that speaking a few words of the local language often helped Graham seal the deal and he even picked up enough Turkish to discuss contracting beds with hoteliers in the country.

“It’s a sign of respect when you make the effort to speak the language,” Green explained.

Asked about Graham’s “Mr Turkey” moniker, Green said: “He was much more than ‘Mr Turkey’. He effectively rewrote the rules about how to do contracting and was renowned for thinking outside the box and being creative when faced with a conundrum.”

Graham willingly shared his industry knowledge of purchasing, negotiation and tour operating with those who were eager to learn, leaving a lasting impact on their careers.

One person who benefitted from Graham’s knowledge was Ross Hutchinson, who now works for Domes Resorts and Reserves as UK and Ireland senior sales and marketing manager.

“I first got to know him when I moved to Thomas Cook’s head office in 2004,” Hutchinson said. “He never managed me, but he was a real mentor instead.

“He is the reason why Turkey was so big for Thomas Cook. He would always say the deals we do have to be win-win and stress that we needed to make sure the deals had longevity.

“He was also quite instrumental in growing Cuba’s programme – and even met Raul Castro at one point.

“That was Graham; he was relatable whether you were a chief executive, a leader of a country or in an entry level position. He was just that sort of person.”

Graham married Gill in 1986, after attending the same school in Roundhay, Leeds, at sixth form. He was able to enjoy time with his daughter Samantha and son Jonathan, two grandchildren and friends after taking early retirement in 2013.