Daniel Rigollet

Daniel Rigollet 1943 - 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Daniel Rigollet — a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, neighbour, and an extraordinary human being. Daniel lit up the world with his sparkling blue eyes, his boundless kindness, and his unwavering willingness to help others.

Daniel was born in France in 1943 and passed away on July 4, 2025. As an acclaimed Cordon Bleu Chef and Saucier, he was passionate about cooking, earning a silver medal in the 1980 Culinary Olympics in Frankfurt, Germany. He cooked for former prime minister Pierre Trudeau during the first Arctic Games in Yellowknife. His celebrated restaurant, Chez Daniel (1980–1999), offered Victorians some of the finest cuisine available, complemented by a distinguished wine list. Chez Daniel is still revered by many to this day. While busy with the restaurant, he also found time to serve as the local ambassador ‘vice-Conseiller Culinaire’ for the international association of gastronomy, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. There, he planned and organized 'feasts for the gods' for members of this food-loving organization. And as a retirement gig, he spent the next decade sharing his vast knowledge with the next generation of chefs at Malaspina College.

Daniel was devoted to his family and deeply adored by his wife, Afra; his sons, Eric (Donna) and Marc (Sandra); and the lights of his life—his three grandchildren, Lauren, Jacob, and Samantha. He was also cherished by many friends and neighbours. Daniel enjoyed playing cards with his French cohorts and creating lavish five-course dinners for his friends, family, and extended family: Jim and Kyra Henry (Mike & Chris), Eric and Ursula Bentz, and Don and Barb Alexander.

In retirement, he grew passionate about his garden, spending countless hours planning, planting, and tending to his beautiful and edible creation. He shared this love of gardening and cooking with his wonderful neighbours and friends: Cheryl and Tom, Speedy and Naomi, Ann Marie and Peter.

Some of Daniel’s favorite pastimes included cycling with his close friends Larry, Speedy, Tom, and Jim—who also introduced him to his love of the outdoors, kayaking, and camping. He found great joy in foraging for mushrooms, often spending days in his secret forest spots gathering chanterelles—an ingredient featured in one of the family’s favorite Daniel recipes. Always eager to lend a hand, he enjoyed assisting his chef friends in their restaurants whenever called upon. He was known for his wonderfully wicked sense of humour, which brought laughter and light to every room he entered.

There wasn’t a day in Daniel’s life when he didn’t impact someone in a positive way. He will be missed so very much. May we remember him with fondness, with laughter, and with the joy he brought to those around him.
You fought the good fight, Daniel — with honour, with grace, and always with heart. You made the world a better place every single day for everyone you touched.

Ride like the wind. Cook up a storm. Garden to your heart’s content. And be at peace, Daniel.

Until we meet again.