Eric Weindl

Eric Weindl 1939-2011 NEWFANE, VT The modest Eric Weindl of Newfane, Vt., died peacefully on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2011, with his beloved wife and soul mate, Gundi by his side, after fighting many months for his life. Eric was born January 25, 1939 in Langenhaslach, Bavaria-Germany, to Anton and Herta Weindl. Eric grew up and received his culinary training in Germany and Switzerland. After a three year apprenticeship Eric traveled between Switzerland and England, and then on to Bermuda, the Bahamas, Jamaica and via Miami, In the spring of 1965, Eric settled in Vermont and became the first chef to Mario Berry at the Toll Gate Lodge in Manchester, Vt. In December 1965 Eric was the chef at Stratton Mountain Inn, where he met the love of his life- Schatz (treasure) Gundi Clemenz. They were married April 26, 1968. In the fall of 1968 they had the food concession at the Avalanche Lodge, Manchester, Vt. Gene Krenz, Owner. In April 1970 Eric and Gundi became proprietors of the Old Newfane Inn, owner Christoph Stumpe Castou. In 1978, Eric became chef owner, with his wife. In June 1987, the Old Newfane Inn celebrated its 200th Anniversary with the help of the purveyors and their employees, in conjunction with a benefit dinner for the Winot family. For the past 42 years, Eric enjoyed his culinary arts at the Old Newfane Inn, pleasing his patrons, and countless celebrities and diplomats. Generations of families have made it a tradition to return time and time again to the Old Newfane Inn to savor Eric's Christmas goose and red cabbage, spaetzel, house dressing, garlic soup and many other menu specialties. Eric had many hobbies. He enjoyed going to is farm where he grew prize sunflowers, and kept his flowerbeds happy - a hiding place for Mouser, his tuxedo cat. Eric enjoyed tennis, water sports, golf, skiing and traveling, also his toys, tractor, "old Timers" and a passion for antiques. Eric loved spending time with his friends and colleagues, and having challenging conversations about world news, politics and sporting events! For over forty years, Eric was a mentor to Scott and Andy and most of his employees. Eric is predeceased by four brothers and nephews. Eric leaves one surviving sister and one half-sister, many nieces and nephew all in Germany, and his Newfane Inn Family A private Celebration of Life is planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend, VT, The Newbrook Fire and Rescue Dept. The Brattleboro Memorial Hospital ER or the Oncology Department at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Arrangements are under the care of White Funeral Chapel and Cremation Service, Townshend. Please visit www.whitefh.com to leave online condolences.