Saturday, April 27, 2024
In Loving Memory of
Firmin G. Berclaz
November 29, 1944–March 4, 2024
Firmin Berclaz, age 79, passed away peacefully in his sleep in Edmonds on March 4, 2024, where our Lord and savior Jesus Christ brought him back to his true home in heaven.
He was born and raised in Randogne, Switzerland, where speaking French was his native language. He grew up in the countryside on a farm in the Swiss Alps raising cattle and making Swiss cheese. One of his favorite pastimes was skiing in the mountains with family and friends.
Back then, he had to make his own skis if he wanted to have fun in the slopes, and he was very proud of it. His love for culinary arts started here, where he worked in the kitchen of his family-owned restaurant and learned culinary skills that would bring him to the artist he became.
He served in the Swiss Merchant Marines, as the chef, where he was able to prepare different cuisines for his crew. He then followed a dear friend of his to Canada for an apprenticeship making soup.
If you knew Firmin, you knew he made the best French Onion soup in the world, along with other delicious soups and unforgettable food of all kinds. He then settled in Edmonds, where his love, passion, and dedication for food continued. Working as the head chef, he later became the owner of Café de Paris French Restaurant at 109 Main Street.
Most know Firmin for him being the best French Chef that ever lived in this small town. However, his family knows him as a loving, gracious father and grandfather (Papa), who was always happy and had a bright smile that would light up any room he entered.
He is survived by his two daughters and five grandchildren; daughter Crystal Berclaz and grandson Cairo Berclaz; daughter Colette Mackend; and grandchildren Chayla, LaChelle, Kiana, and Julian Wilson.
Firmin’s two heartfelt loves in life were Amy Bissell (mother of his daughters) and Kay McLellan (stepmom).
He loved traveling and vacationing on the beaches of Mexico. He also loved being with his family and opening his doors to friends on holidays. His family here and in Switzerland love and miss him dearly and will forever cherish the memories of their dad, papa, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. Forever in our hearts until we meet again.
Firmin’s memorial will take place at the Edmonds Yacht Club at 1 p.m. on Sunday April 7, 2024. This gathering is open for his family, friends, and longtime patrons.
Burial service will be held in private for his immediate family only. He will be buried at Edmonds Memorial Cemetery.
