Marc Andrea Valiani

Valiani, Marc Andrea
Jul 19, 1962 - May 1, 2011
Marc Valiani, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully at his home in Frisco, TX. He was surrounded by his family. Born in Seattle, WA, he was a graduate of the George Brown College in Toronto, Ontario. He trained with Wolfgang Puck and served as chef of his restaurant, Spago in Hollywood. He opened Jianna restaurant in San Francisco and was the chef for the 2002 US Olympic Snowboarding Team. His culinary career included work as the executive chef for PB&J restaurants in Kansas City and most recently, as the executive chef at the Frito Lay Culinary Innovation Center in Plano, TX. He enjoyed cooking for friends and family and often donated his services to numerous charity auctions and benefits. His love of food was only equaled by his passion for sports. He was an avid Red Sox, Raiders and Cornhusker fan and enjoyed playing competitive hockey in his early years and golfing and skiing as an adult. A fastidious yardman, he was dubbed "The Constant Gardener" by his friends in Kansas City. Marc's larger than life personality created a circle of friends from across the country. A recent roast coordinated by chefs from New York to San Francisco and hosted by friend and mentor, Dean Fearing of Dallas gave many of those present a chance to share their stories with Marc and his family. Marc is survived by his wife of 17 years, Kaymie (Hall); and children, Anthony, Kayla and Sofia, all of the home. Other survivors include his father and mother, Rudy and Carol Valiani; sister Gina Valiani (husband Bob Reed); sister Silvana Valiani (husband Bob Osborne), all of Ontario, Canada. Additional survivors include his mother and father-in-law, Judy and Harry Hall, Omaha, NE.
MEMORIAL SERVICE at the Church of the Resurrection, 13720 Roe Avenue, Leawood, KS 66224 on Friday, May 20, 11am. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that those who may wish to contribute Memorials consider directing them to a trust established for the Valiani children's education, The Marc Valiani "From the Heart" Memorial Fund c/o Marjorie Valentine, Commerce Bank, 11405 Nall Suite 200, Leawood, KS 66211.