Pierre Doley Youth Scholarship Fund
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for-profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. It believes tourism should be a force for good, promoting peace, empathy and cross-cultural understanding, and protecting and enhancing human society.
Former President Pierre J. Doley was a firm believer in the power of education, and had a true appreciation of the PATA organisation. A memorial scholarship fund has been set up that aims to help young individuals build their future. All donations are used exclusively for educational purposes and sponsorship activities for PATA Youth.
In lieu of flowers, if you wish to contribute, we have set up a scholarship to honour Pierre's legacy of mentoring and encouraging education:
As Pierre wrote on his retirement, "I feel privileged to have known you and to have benefitted from your wisdom and friendship. To you and the many others who have given me support I want to express my profound gratitude and thanks." We extend those sentiments to all who celebrate him today.
About Pierre
Pierre J. Doley,
December 22, 1930 - May 21, 2024
Pierre J. Doley touched the lives of all who knew him, and frankly, that was a lot of people, as he lived 93 years, starting on a snowy December night in Istanbul in 1930, and passing away on a cloudy Palos Verdes evening in May of 2024.
He was a determined man who pursued his goals with tenacity, achieving much in his life. He spoke 5 languages and earned several degrees: a B.Sc in Mathematics from St. Michel French College, a BBA from the University of Houston, and an MBA from USC. While serving in Korea as a Captain under the UN Command, he received decorations from South Korea, Türkiye, and the US Army, including a Medal of Valor. He excelled as an athlete, playing soccer for the Galatasaray youth team, nearly going to the Olympics with the national Turkish Basketball team, and winning the junior National Tennis Championship in doubles. Driven in business too, he was awarded salesman of the year when he worked with Mobil Oil. He then rose through the ranks with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines for 34 years, and proudly served as President of PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association). He pursued the love of his life, Marlene, and they had 2 daughters, 3 grandchildren and were married for 60 years.
But for all his accomplishments, his greatest strength may have been his ability to connect with people. He would light up when you visited, enjoyed board games, gentle practical jokes, and throwing parties - dinner parties, KLM parties, and even a surprise birthday party where he hired a professional graphic artist to help create just the right signage. He had a good sense of humor, and loved to matchmake. He made friends with strangers, and often brought tokens of appreciation to anyone a little helpful; flowers for the bank teller, or tickets for the computer repairman. He had a knack for finding one's potential and developing it. He recruited hires wherever he went, asking good wait staff if they'd ever considered working for an airline. And he was particularly known among employees for his supportive mentoring, education advocacy and true friendship. He received numerous letters from staff thanking him for his belief in them, his encouragement and how he changed their lives.
He was a true gentleman, devoted to his family, charming, appreciative, intelligent, encouraging, tenacious, and one-of-a-kind. We feel blessed to have known him, and to know that the love we share is enduring.
