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YANNICK MARTIN Obituary
YANNICK JOSEPH MARTIN Yannick Joseph Martin, former Chef-Owner of Cafe du Soir, passed away peacefully in his home, after battling cancer on Monday, September 16, 2013 at the age of 78 with his loving wife Valerie and daughters Kim and Kerrie by his side. Yannick was born in St. Servan, in the Brittany Region of Western France. And, grew up in Rennes and St. Malo, and attended the College of Architecture. He served 3-years in the French Foreign Legion and was stationed in Madagascar. In his younger years, he played on a traveling soccer team, played the bag pipes and drums, and was an avid sailor. In 1959, Yannick left France on-board a Norwegian cargo ship to America. He travelled cross-country from California to Massachusetts. During his lifetime, he was employed by and/or owned fine dining establishments in Boston, NYC and New Orleans before moving to Port St. Lucie, FL in 1974. Over the past 40 years, Yannick exercised his culinary skills as Executive Chef at "Sandpiper Bay", "Ocean Village", "Seaview Restaurant", "Restaurant 41" and "Chez Yannick". In 1988, Yannick and Valerie Martin fulfilled their lifetime dream and opened Cafe du Soir and served the Treasure Coast for 18 years. His last venture was "Maison Martinique". Yannick was a kind, gentle, generous man. An extremely talented yet humble chef. A free spirit with a passion for travel. Proud of his Breton culture. Unconditional love for and dedication to his family and friends. He will be deeply missed. Yannick is survived by his wife, Valerie of 25-years; his daughters Kim Burgett (Mike) and Kerrie Fitzgerald (Frank); granddaughters Emily, Merrill and Audrey; grandson Sebastien. And, family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Roger and Anne; brother Erwan. Visitation will be on Sunday, September 22nd from 6-8PM at Strunk Funeral Home, Vero Beach, FL. A Memorial Service will be held Monday, September 23rd at 10AM at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Vero Beach, FL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations "In Memory of Yannick Martin" may be made to the Humane Society of Vero Beach, PO Box 644, Vero Beach, FL 32961- 0644.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for YANNICK MARTIN
October 2, 2013
Val and family, Many years ago we shared many happy memories. I remember Donnie and I going to France and meeting up with Yannick in Rennes. Donnie kissed him and said "This is from Val." I think I was as surprised as Yannick was, but those are the times that you look back on and smile. I know you have many times and many smiles which you can reach out and pull from time. My sincere sympathy and prayers going out to you. ~Deb~ (Debbie (Wilson) Bunnell)
September 29, 2013
My dear Val, I have just learned of Yannicks passing.....no words can express my sadness - he was a wonderful devoted husband, friend and employer. My heart goes out to you and all of his loved ones. If I can be of comfort or help in any way, please do not hesitate to call on me....Love you, Karen Bedford
Michael Bottalico
September 28, 2013
Dear Val,
I just read about Yannick in the paper this morning. Needless to say shocked and saddened and disappointed I didn't get to say goodbye and tell him, see you at the next restaurant venture. It started me thinking of the days in Sandpiper Bay and Ocean Village. We all worked hard, but played and laughed alot. I will always remember his encouragement, his laugh and smile. It was infectious. Please contact me.
September 28, 2013
Dear Valerie,
We wish to express our deepest sympathy to you and your family on the passing of your wonderful husband.
May you find peace in knowing Yannick is looking over you from heaven.
Larry & Micki (your neighbors at 1166)
September 25, 2013
Dear Valerie and family,
We just learned today of Yannick's passing and wish to extend our deepest sympathy to you. Yannick was a wonderful man, a true artiste, who had such a passion for exceptional food and presentation. He will be missed by so many. When we return to Vero in October we hope to see you.
Our sincere condolences,
Carol and Tom Turner
Maureen Matheson
September 24, 2013
Dear Val and Family,
We are the friends of James & Lela, who introduced us to the wonderful experience of your and Yannick's gracious hospitality. The obituary is a beautiful tribute. Our condolences.
Maureen & Gerry
September 23, 2013
Dear Valerie & Family,
We were so sorry to hear about Yannick's death. We're in Mexico, but would have been there of course. Our sincere love and condolences.
Jim & Tim
Andrea Hunt
September 23, 2013
Val, Nikki, and Family of Yannick ~
I have such fond memories of Yannick! Our Girls Birthday trip to Florida was one I will never forget. Val and Yannick's hospitalitiy was second to none. From letting us crash at your house, to making us out-of-this-world meals. What more could a girl ask for! I will always have a special place in my heart for Yannick. Thank you for sharing him with us! My sincere sympathies as you mourn his loss and also celebrate his life.
Andrea Hunt
Daphne Bracken
September 23, 2013
Sweet Yannick...your laughter and zest for life has always been contagious. I have many happy memories from over the last 20+ years with your smile etched in them. Your presence will be missed but your spirit will live on in all who knew you.
September 23, 2013
For my Friend Valerie, My heart is saddened that I can not be there to say good bye or comfort today. Here is a poem for you Val and may you keep it near and remember it.
Never Alone
When I looked out over the patio tonight I noticed a single star,
With fog so dense you couldn't see the moon, I knew it could only be you.
I stared at you for a while hoping for a reason,
Then realized at that very moment that you weren't gone at all,
In fact you are and always will be alive in our hearts and memories,
Your love is strong,
So strong in fact that it has burned a hole in the fog,
Just so that the light of you can keep us warm and protected at night.
Though night shall fade and day shall come,
I know that you will not have abandoned me,
For you are now my shadow that guides and protects my day,
I know now that I shall never walk alone again,
For you will always be there holding my hand.
One would not think to ever hurt me,
For they will see my Husband at my side,
And know that a man of great stature and power protects me.
I will sleep easy tonight,
Knowing that you are there beside me,
When I feel that extra bit of warmth and security at night,
I know it is but your arms wrapped around me.
I am Never Alone, And You Are Never Forgotten.
Love, Terri
Maureen Burke
September 22, 2013
Thinking of you Valerie. Dennis and I enjoyed special times for us
at your special restaurants.
Annemarie Rossmell
September 22, 2013
What a wonderful Man with such a kind soul for everyone that he met in his life. I will always remember his kind words when I needed them. You will be missed. Love to Val and his daughters.
Alan Buick
September 21, 2013
Valerie and family, I'm sorry to learn of Yannick's passing. There are many great memories. Sending my sincere sympathy, Alan Buick
Linda Gaskill
September 21, 2013
Thinking of you, Kim and Kerrie. I know how much you loved your dad.
Joni O'Doherty
September 21, 2013
YANNICK MARTIN was my employer, my friend and one of the best of men!
Hard-working and well-traveled, Yannick lived his life with passion - and compassion. His Joie de Vivre was contagious.
Honor, integrity, humility and laughter; the knowledge of the importance of a balance in life...some of the qualities of this extraordinary person.
Yannick was a luminary who eschewed the limelight. With his passing, his own light is not extinguished but rather diffused, as everyone he touched carries a bit of that light.
While I mourn our loss, I celebrate his life. I am profoundly grateful to have known this wonderful man.
Thank you, Yannick, for the memories...
Repose en paix, cher Yannick!
Larry & Donna Frederickson
September 21, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of need. Just remember all the good time's.
Rejeanne
September 21, 2013
Val,
Mes profondes sympathies pour toi et toute la famille. Yannick sera toujours present dans votre coeur et veillera sur vous tous!
Michael Adams
September 21, 2013
Yannick was a fine and creative man who will be missed by many. I enjoyed working with Yannick and Valerie at the "41" back in the early 80's. He always brought his best to the table.
Charles Williams
September 20, 2013
My condolences Kerrie on the loss of your father. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Charlie
Jeff and Marsha Fox
September 20, 2013
Kim, Kerrie, and Valerie, we are saddened for your loss and so sorry. Yannick was a very gifted man who delighted in sharing his gifts with others. We are blessed to have know him.
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