Chef G. Eric LaQua
Passed: January 16, 2018
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Chef G. Eric LaQua
Passed: January 16, 2018
Obituary
Chef G. Eric LaQua, 76, of Goodyear, AZ died January 16, 2018 in his home in Goodyear. He was born May 10, 1941 to Lorenz and Else LaQua in Arzberg, Germany.
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!
9 responses to Chef G. Eric LaQua
Brian Wood says:
January 21, 2018
Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your husband, father, and grandfather.
I had the honor of working with, and knowing, Chef Laqua for many years at the Registry Resort.
Cliff Running says:
January 22, 2018
Hello my friend Hanna, it was such a delight to work with you and your girls during their orthodontic treatment.The years have gone and now they are married with children of their own. I clearly remember many delicious meal Chef Eric prepared at the Phoenix Country Club. He was very talented and always so polite. A real professional. My thoughts, prayers and sympathy are with you and your family during this difficult time but my fond memories will always remain. Best Wishes, Cliff Running
Tony Halfpenny says:
January 22, 2018
Happy journey Eric. It was a pleasure to have known you.
Sincere condolences to Erick’s family.
Sandra Meyer (Germany) says:
January 25, 2018
Liebe Hannelore, Familie und Freunde,
schöne erinnernde Grüße aus Deutschland. Deine zwei deutschen “Enkelkinder” freuen sich, schöne Stunden mit dir verbracht zu haben. Du warst ein toller, warmer und wertvoller Mensch. Wir sind froh, dich gekannt zu haben und stolz ein Teil deiner Familie zu sein. RIP Günter!!
Liebe Grüße von Bernd, Emily, Kim & Sandra
Brian Holmes says:
January 28, 2018
I’ve always held the highest amount of respect and admiration for both Eric & Hannalore, no matter how many years have passed, or how many miles have separated us. Condolences to the entire Laqua Family. RIP Eric… Until we meet again. ~ Brian