Minister of Tourism, Philip Brown, today expressed his condolences on the death of Dr. Kent Ellis.
“I was very saddened to learn of the death of Dr. Ellis. He was a gifted medical doctor with a strong conviction to the tourism industry as owner and operator of Marco Polo Land for over 30 years. He was admired by anyone who came in contact with him for his intelligence and integrity,” said Minister Brown. “I would like to extend my sympathies to the family on behalf of those across Prince Edward Island who are involved in the tourism industry. He will be missed by many.”
Dr. Ellis was very active in the tourism sector. He was the owner of Marco Polo Land, a one hundred acre camping and trailer resort with 506 sites located on Route 13 in Cavendish directly across the road from the Green Gables Golf Course and one mile from the entrance of Cavendish Beach. He continued to participate in tourism related activities and was a participant in a recent Tourism Partnership Forum, providing expertise which helped to shape the direction of the industry. He truly loved tourism and the people he met.
In 1993, Dr. Ellis and his wife, Etta, were recipients of the Lieutenant Governor’s Award from the Tourism Industry Association of PEI, an award which honours those who have demonstrated a prolonged commitment and outstanding contribution to tourism on PEI. In earlier years, he served as President of the Cavendish Area Tourist Association and was a founding member of the Tourism Industry Association of PEI, as well as a member of the Tourism Task Force in the early 1990s.
Minister Brown said, “With the death of Dr. Ellis, we have lost one of our most distinguished and highly regarded citizens. To his wife, Etta, his sons Reagh, David, and Paul and their families, I would like to express my sincere condolences and sympathies.”