The New Zealand catering and hospitality industry has paid tribute to former West Coaster and highly regarded chef and hospitality tutor Scott Richardson, who died yesterday morning in Dunedin Hospital.
The eldest son of Cobden couple John and Sandra Richardson, he grew up in Blaketown.
Mr Richardson (52) served his apprenticeship as a chef at Kings Hotel in Greymouth, where he obtained his London Guild one and two qualifications before moving to Invercargill in 1987.
After working as a chef in well-known restaurants, Mr Richardson spent many years at the Southern Institute of Technology as catering manager, and latterly at Southland Boys' High School as catering and hospitality tutor.
He also represented his trade as the NZ Chefs Association Otago-Southland branch executive member.
Mr Richardson went to Dunedin Hospital on Wednesday and died yesterday.
John Richardson said this morning the family was in shock and struggling to come to terms with their son's death.
"Scott followed his dream and loved his job, and he was well known and respected in his profession."
Scott Richardson is expected to be cremated in Invercargill and his ashes brought back to the West Coast.
- Paul McBride
