Hedda Dowd, owner of Rise No 1, just informed me that their beloved chef Richard Bertschi passed away suddenly yesterday. The staff posted this message on Facebook.
Today we are all shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Richard Bertschi… Richard, who worked with and for Cherif since he was seventeen. He was honest, loyal and extremely organized. These are character traits that we all strive for and are to be respected, revered and admired. Richard always had the utmost concern for rise n°1, and he was particularly caring to make sure “his crew” always had a variety of food to cook and eat! He will always be remembered for his colorful costumes – he loved Halloween and carved amazing pumpkins. He always did his work with the utmost…Merci pour tout que tu a fait pour nous.
Dowd says the information for viewing and service will be on Rise No 1’s website soon.
UPDATE: There will be a viewing this Wednesday from 6-8pm at Restland Funeral Home. Memorial service will be held Thursday at 10am in Wildwood Chapel at Restland.