We Lost a Builder, a Believer, and a Friend: The Passing of Duncan Bureau
by John Kirk
Duncan Bureau
I can’t believe I’m writing this. I honestly cannot believe it. With profound sadness we share the news of the passing of an industry leader, and my dear friend, Duncan Bureau, who died suddenly of an apparent heart attack in Mexico on December 2. He was 58 years old. His passing was confirmed by his friend and colleague at TouristTax, Hugo Chapoy. Duncan’s loss will be felt deeply by all who knew him, in the aviation world, his community, and especially among the many who were privileged to call him a friend.
Duncan’s career spanned more than 25 years and left a remarkable mark on the global airline industry. From his early leadership roles at WestJet, where he helped drive one of the company’s most dynamic periods of growth, to his influential work at Etihad Airways, Duncan was always a force of forward momentum. In 2014, he joined Air Canada as Vice President of Global Sales and, by 2018, had become President of Air Canada Rouge, where he championed a culture rooted in trust, opportunity, and teamwork.
After returning to Canada from the UAE, Duncan continued shaping the aviation landscape through Canada Jetlines and his own consulting work. He had a gift for seeing possibility where others saw limitations, and he used that gift to mentor and elevate countless people throughout his career. His number one goal was always to lift others up.
But for me, the Duncan I will forever remember isn’t defined by titles or achievements. He was a fiercely loyal friend, sharp-witted, deeply kind, and always present with genuine interest, encouragement, and a boatload of sarcasm. He had a rare ability to make people feel valued and understood. His laughter, his energy, and his belief in those around him were constants in the lives he touched.
Duncan lived with purpose, passion, and conviction. His sudden passing is heartbreaking, and the void he leaves behind is immense for his family, his many friends, and his industry family.
Those of us fortunate enough to have known him will carry his influence for the rest of our lives. Duncan left every place, every team, and every person better than he found them.
Rest in peace, my friend. Your legacy lives on in the lives you lifted along the way, and you will be deeply, forever missed.
Details on his passing and information regarding services will be shared as they become available.
Love ya, buddy. Rest in peace, and thank you for everything. Careful, no F-bombs when you meet the big guy!
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Here are a couple of my interviews with him over the years.
