Vincent Louis Paris

May 29, 1936 - April 27, 2015

Vincent Louis Paris lived each day with gusto. His life was punctuated with fantastic experiences, impressive accomplishments and overflowed with the love of his partner Tommy, as well as countless family, friends and colleagues. Vince was born in Chicago on May 29th, 1936 to James and Geraldine Paris and grew up in Oak Brook, IL. After high school he attended the prestigious Culinary Institute of America at Yale University and spent several years furthering his expertise throughout Europe and the U.S. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and served directly under the base commander in a top secret capacity. In 1960 he was stationed at George Air Force Base and decided to stay in the High Desert. He went on to play a part in the early economic progress of the Victor Valley. He operated the Hesperia Dude Ranch catering to local developers and a long guest list that included many celebrities. On many nights, after the dinner festivities, Vince could be found playing cards with Roy Rogers. In 1964, he opened his own restaurant, Ye Olde Lantern, in downtown Victorville and where he met a young pilot named Tom. His true entrepreneurial spirit began to show as he went on to open a clothing store, Daisy II Casuals, and help many other members of his family start their own local businesses. Throughout his life, he was actively involved in Kiwanis, Rotary, and Chamber of Commerce, Sons of Italy and many other business and service organizations. After a successful 10 years, he embarked on a new journey attending UCLA to complete his teaching credential. He spent the next 15 years as the head of the award winning Cypress College Culinary Arts Department. As an educator, he shared his limitless energy, talents and business acumen with new chefs who went on to brilliant careers of their own. As a part of the apprenticeship program, each summer Vince and his students traveled extensively to famous kitchens all over the world, including opportunities to compete in the International Culinary Olympics and teach at Le Cordon Bleu. When they weren’t traveling the world over, Vince and Tom enjoyed remodeling their Costa Mesa home and often treated family and friends to excursions in their private plane and leisurely outings in their collection of vintage cars. A few of their favorites were a 1961 Jaguar convertible and several models of Rolls Royce including a 1976 Silver Shadow, which Vince happily drove to work every day. After retiring for a second time, Vince continued consulting, cooking and giving his time to organizations. He served as a two term President of the Orange Empire Chef’s Association, Western Vice President of the International Food Service Executives Association, Chairperson for the Pacific Council on Hotel Restaurant Institutional Education, and member of the American Culinary Federation. It was this vast knowledge and dedication that led him to win numerous awards, including Chef of the Year in 1992. Even as a renowned chef, he was never at a shortage of time for his family and friends. His dynamic, take charge personality made him the cornerstone of family traditions, often having 50 or more for sit down dinners and planning to ensure holidays together. Vince had an unmistakable infectious laugh and outrageous sense of humor, a sharp wit, a quick Italian temper, and an incredibly generous spirit. He passed away after complications from a stroke on April 27, 2015 at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, CA. He is survived by his devoted life partner of 46 years, Tom Beaver of Costa Mesa and Tom’s daughter Sherry of Baltimore; sisters, Karen Atchley of Hesperia and Lucille Swanson of Las Vegas; 10 nieces and nephews; 16 great nieces and nephews and 12 great-great. He enriched the lives of everyone around him, taught many lessons in the classroom and out, and will be remembered as a beloved partner, son, brother, uncle, mentor, confidant and friend. Viewing will be held at Victor Valley Mortuary from 4:00 – 8:00 PM on Thursday, April 30th, with a Rosary at 7:00 PM. Services will be Friday at 12:00 PM and will be continued at the graveside. There will be a reception immediately following at the home of Tony and Linda Walker.