Michael Fredrick Stanton

1967 - 2021

After a brave battle with cancer, Michael Fredrick Stanton, age 53, passed away in the loving presence of his family on June 8, 2021, in Bend, Oregon. The youngest of eight siblings, Michael was born on November 9, 1967, in Schenectady, New York to Robert and Joyce (Kreag) Stanton. Having been previously taught by his oldest sister how to crack an egg and use spices, at 7 years old when Michael's mother took ill, he began cooking and discovered what would become his heart's passion as a career. At 19, Michael was hospitalized for six weeks with meningococcal meningitis. Although it can be a fatal virus that claims the lives of many, Michael defied the clinical odds and survived. Given a second chance and with the support of his family, Michael recovered. After several years of working in local restaurants in Upstate New York, Michael decided to attend The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park. At the CIA, he further developed his technique by fully embracing a classical approach to cooking. Soon he began working in celebrated French restaurants in New York, including Lespinasse and Les Celebrites. From New York, Michael moved to Los Angeles, where he continued to work in French fine dining at Encore and La Cachette. In the West, Michael found love in the kitchen and beyond, where he met his wife, Jessica, and they started their life together in LA. After 10 years of working in LA, including running his own catering company, Michael accepted his first formal Executive Chef post in Portland, Oregon, at the Heathman. In Oregon, Michael embraced the joys of cooking with the Northwest bounty and his role as a chef mentor in leading and teaching his team how to create and to celebrate food made with love. With more than three decades of service dedicated to the joys and challenges of cooking, Michael made his home in Bend, Oregon, where he was the Executive Chef of Currents at the Riverhouse. Michael was driven to be the best chef and the best person he could be, but titles and awards were not important to him. He always cared more about the quality of the food and being able to taste the love that went into it. Michael instinctively chose the paths that were right for him - unapologetically. He was determined and exacting, with a sharp wit and a deep well of compassion. He was a private man, but when he chose to share, he would tell you the truth. What mattered most to him were his family and food made with love. During Michael's last days here with us, he enjoyed the company of his loving family and food made with love, for him - with his loving direction, of course. Michael leaves behind his wife, Jessica; his siblings, Kathie Chenaud (Alexandre), Bob Stanton (Sandie), Jean Stanton, Judy Vonie, Laura Stanton, Paula Bailey (Marty), Patty Conley (Dan); nieces, Michelle Vonie, Stephanie, Morgan and Paige Bailey, Lauren and Corrine Conley; family by marriage; and his furry children, Bella and Biko. Calling hours from 10 to 11 with a service following, will be on Friday July 2nd at Bekkering-Ellis Funeral Home, 1 Mohawk Ave., Scotia. Burial at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery will be held in private. In lieu of flowers, we ask that a tribute to Michael may be made to: Partners in Care, Bend Hospice House 2075 NE Wyatt Ct Bend, OR 97701 www.partnersbend.org