Sometimes bad things happen.
This week, the tourism family said goodbye to one of its own. Armando Castillo passed away Monday following a stroke. He was a young, active 51-year-old who loved people and soccer and family.
In the decade that I worked with him, he made an impression on thousands of people with whom he came in contact.
In the world of tourism, he was on top of his game. He was a consummate professional. He loved
engaging with people. He loved his co-workers, colleagues and anyone who walked down the street.
Even though he had every opportunity to advance in his tourism career, he found his niche and perfected it.
As a valet at a popular hotel in town, he anchored the entrance and commanded the street out front. He delivered visitors’ cars swiftly with care. More importantly, he delivered a genuine smile and a kind word to anyone he met.
In tourism, we often work long, hard hours — focusing on one common goal — the guest. This common goal brings us together and creates a tourism family.
I’m thankful for my tourism family and mourn the loss of my friend and colleague.
As a hospitality worker for my entire life, I’m a fixer. I like to fix problems that come my way. Upon hearing about Armando’s illness and eventual death, I wanted to turn my deep sadness into positive energy and action.
I looked up stroke awareness organizations, tried to find a march, a walk, some way to contribute to finding answers. I implored my co-workers to be vigilant about their health.
While all of these things are good, I realize none of it will bring Armando back.
So, in this article, where I normally write about what’s happening in the world of the tourism community, I’d rather celebrate one of the greats.
Armando moved to Savannah in 2002 and started working as a valet at the Marshall House, where many came to know his loving personality and friendship. Armando was an avid soccer player and loved fishing, spending time with his sons and grandchildren. He was a member of Southside Baptist Church.
Armando is survived by his three sons, Marcos, Armando Jr. and Jair; two daughters, Marissa and Samantha; and 14 grandchildren, as well as his parents, four brothers, four sisters and many nieces and nephews.
Armando is also survived by the 24,000 people who work in tourism. They work every day to carry on what he did so naturally. They focus on the guest. They work long hard hours. They approach the day with a smile, a handshake, and a strong helping of respect for humankind.
They touch the lives of so many through the way they do their job with the utmost in professionalism, grace and dignity.
Armando, you are missed.
Michael Owens is president/CEO of the Tourism Leadership Council, the largest non-profit trade organization that supports and represents the tourism industry. Contact Owens at michael@tourismleadershipcouncil.com or by calling 912-232-1223.
By Michael Owens