Eric LaQua Chef

The first English he learned in America was “One beer, please.” He became an American Citizen in 1971. If he didn’t become a chef, he said he would have been a jewelry designer.

Since becoming a chef, he has earned the following accolades:

1976 – Awarded the title “Certified Executive Chef” from the American Academy of Chefs.

1976 – Voted “Chef of the Year” by the Phoenix Chef’s Association.

1996 – Awarded the Divisional President’s Award from ITT Sheraton of North America.

2005 – Earned the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Chef’s Association of Greater Phoenix.

1976 – 2004 – Awarded many recognitions, certificates of achievements, citations of excellence and outstanding services.

Eric showed his passion for the culinary profession by being a member of the Phoenix Chapter of the Chef’s Association (founding member), Academy of Chef’s, the German Chef’s Assoc., the International Chef’s Assoc., and the Honor Society of American Culinary Federation.

He is survived by his lovely wife of 47 years, Hannelore; sister, Monika Edelmann; his daughters, DeeAnn DeWitt and Sherry LaQua-Hanchett; son-in-law’s, Jim DeWitt and Eric Hanchett; four grandchildren, Erin, Daniel, Erikka, and Emma; and one great-grandchild, Dillion.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 27 at the Chief’s Mission on 1644 E. Campo Bello Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85022.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Chief’s Mission. Their website is www.chiefs.org.

Eric has touched many lives and will be missed, but will be in our memories forever.

Goodbye, my friend!