Tribute

With great sadness and heavy hearts, we announce that René passed away at home suddenly on Sunday, February 5. He is survived by his loving wife Linda, his beloved daughter Alexandra (Tom), his sons (in France) Stéphane (Stéphanie) andRemi, and his two grandsons, Enzo and Theo. René is also survived by his niece Kacy (Jory), his sister-in-law Loré and other extended family members. René was predeceased by his parents, Marcel and Alexandrine Glangeaud.

Much to the surprise of his mother, René was born in the airport in Tunisia at the end of World War II. The family remained in Tunisia for two years, after which they were able to move back to the south of France.

René served in the French military for two years as a paratrooper during the Algerian War and then went to Les Roches International Hospitality School. He worked in some of the top hotels in France and Monaco. He had his two sons while in France.

In 1980, he moved to Montreal and gained his Canadian citizenship. He worked for an international catering company that sent him to manage food services in Libya, Algeria, Somalia, and finally to the Caribbean island of Nevis. There he met his soon to be wife, Linda. It was during Hurricane Hugo that they left Nevis and settled in Vancouver.

René started a fresh pasta restaurant in downtown Vancouver. His daughter Alexandra was born soon after. Two years later, he was offered a chef’s position at the Inn at Westview, so the family moved to Powell River. René worked in several hotel kitchens but eventually started his own business and called it Rene’s Pasta.

For 19 years René devoted himself to bringing his worldwide culinary experience and love of international cooking to his loyal customers. He loved to joke around and banter with his “regulars” and also with the surrounding business owners.

At home, René looked forward to spending relaxing time with Linda and Alexandra. He loved reading, watching soccer, playing Mahjong, birdwatching, and also enjoyed his extra-hot lattes.

Many thanks to Dr. Burns, the medical clinic staff, and the emergency personnel who responded so quickly, even in the snowstorm.