Remembrance of Gary Holleman

Gary Holleman, respected chef, entrepreneur, book author, leader, father, grandfather, and husband, died unexpectedly Tuesday night, October 21, 1997 from complications resulting from heart surgery. He was 42.

Like much of his career, his passing was followed by hundreds of people via the Internet.

In lieu of flowers: A college fund for the benefit of Gary's children has been set up and is accepting contributions. If your life was touched by this selfless man, please show your appreciation by writing a check in any amount payable to "Children of Gary Holleman", and mailing it to First National Bank of Bemidji, PO Box 670, Bemidji, MN 56601.

-- Rich Luhr, friend and business partner of Gary's
rluhr@churchstreet.com
(802) 877-2900

RCA'S Tribute To Gary Holleman

by Lois Holleman

Gary Holleman, a founding member of RCA, profoundly affected many people, both inside and outside the food industry, when he passed away last October. Besides being a research chef, Gary was the author of two books, a writer for several magazines, a web master and administrator, and sat on several different boards nation wide. To many, he was THE person to turn to if you needed anything. If it was out there, he could find it. Gary was "The Problem Solver".

In November of 1997, RCA created the Gary Holleman Award For Excellence in Technology/Communications, to be given to an individual in the food industry who followed most closely in Gary's footsteps. Having an award named after my husband is quite an honor and yet, quite humbling. There is a tremendous sense of responsibility in choosing a recipient that would live up to Gary's standards.

Gary would have said he didn't deserve it. He would have insisted, quite strongly, that the award be named something else. But knowing how hard he worked, the hours he put in to constantly be on the edge/forefront of internet technology, and his desire to share whatever knowledge he had with others makes me believe that he does indeed deserve such an honor.

This year the award was given to Francis Lynch, Chef/Teacher/Chef's Virtual Secretary." Francis began his career as a financial analyst for Dun and Bradstreet, but soon followed his father and grandfather's footsteps into a cooking career. He has been a chef for over 25 years, beginning with his early days in a 3-star French restaurant in Ithaca, New York while taking classes at Cornell. He has cooked from the Caribbean to Vermont to California, where he finally settled down and decided to teach others. Francis earned his teaching credentials form UCLA and began instructing chefs at the local Community College. During this time he wrote his first book, "Garnishing-A Feast For Your Eyes."

In 1990 he began his journey to the internet where he eventually met Gary. Then ChefDesk, his website dedicated to helping chefs find organized professional culinary and restaurant information on the internet, was born. Presently, ChefDesk is selling a new publication, "The Book of Yields," which is just now being released on CD to the commercial trade.

RCA is proud to have Francis as the 1998 recipient of the Gary Holleman award. His personal and professional life exemplifies the standards set by Gary Holleman. He has proven to be a kind, caring individual dedicated to learning and teaching, who is more interested in the good of the industry than in his own personal gain. Like Gary, his greatest achievements involve giving and sharing with others. Congratulations, Francis!

(Lois Holleman in Culinary Support Specialist for Indian Harvest Specialtifoods.)