Im so sorry to hear that he is gone.He will be truly missed. I always to see his post on fb prayers to family and friends
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My wife, son and I simply knew him as "The Chef". He was a true "Gentle Man", kind and considerate. He shared some stories about his childhood with me, about his happy days. He also said he had a tough time when he was working in kitchens in other locations. But he was specifically very clear that he loved his work at Phi Chi. A few weeks ago when I saw him, he reiterated that fondness with me. In fact he was proud that this was his "second" set of Phi Chi graduates that he saw complete their Doctor in Training sessions. He thought he was contributing to this success. He was very content and happy doing what he loved (making folks enjoy the fruits of his labor). I never heard him complain about the students - never. He appreciated the opportunity that he was given, and worked with his heart and mind (and in the process "enjoyed" doing it. I asked him, how are you, Chef? How is life treating you? How is your new house? Happy there? He was truly happy when he responded and reaffirmed his love for the place and the people in it. Thank you Phi Chi, for supporting him as well. You are a Great Bunch! You gave him a place that he felt comfortable, a position that allowed him to to be creative and most importantly to be himself - a True, True, Gentleman.
We loved you, Chef, and we miss you whole heartedly!
You shared some of your life's moments with me, and I am happy and proud to have known you:
A pleasant human being, down to earth - "what you see, is what you get", with no pretentious agendas.
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During the 2024 hurricane, Chef JP had been on a well-deserved vacation. As soon as he got back, he came to the house to check on us all and said, "I wish I had been here to help." That was his character—preferring to live through a hurricane and volunteer to do intense cleanup than be on vacation! He always went above and beyond, made sure everyone had enough to eat even if they came late or had to leave before normal meal times, and loved decorating for holidays as they came up. He was so thoughtful and caring to us all.
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