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ALAIN LECOMTE Obituary
Alain Michel Lecomte Alain Michel Lecomte, 46, a resident of Richmond, passed away at Glenburnie Center, departing from this life into a peace of eternal rest after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife of 22 years, Annie C. Lecomte, daughter Cl‚mence, son Maxime, and other family in France.
Alain, a native of France, was a graduate of Cordon Bleu Paris and became a Maitre Cuisinier de France (Master Chef of France). He was crowned top chef in France in 1990. Alain was the proprietor of Chez Max Restaurant. He shared his gift by teaching many chefs and interns at Chez Max and previously at Prince Michel in Culpeper, VA. Alain's wonderful team has taken great pride in his menus, presentations, and service during his long battle and they will continue to do so in his honor. It was Chef's final wish that the restaurant continue in his memory to provide friends and patrons with the superior cuisine and ambiance that he worked so diligently to provide.
In Alain's spare time, he greatly enjoyed spending time with his family, filling the home with laughter. He enjoyed the outdoors, particularly motocross racing and playing soccer.
He will be sorely missed by his family, friends, staff and many dear customers whose lives he touched with his ready smile. A memorial service will be held on August 2nd, 2010, 11:00 am in the sanctuary of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Richmond. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Alain's honor to the Maxime Lecomte Educational Trust Fund, the Cullather Brain Tumor Quality of Life Center in Richmond, or the Medical College of Virginia.
This obituary was originally published in the Culpeper StarExponent.
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Memories and Condolences
for ALAIN LECOMTE
Gerald Ransone
July 21, 2025
Thinking of Annie this time of year. His restaurant still remains a favorite of ours.
Chef Skip and Waiter Rollin still carry on
His French traditions. His presence is still felt whenever we visit. Chef Alain was always the Best.
Diane & Gerald Ransone
July 21, 2024
A Top Master Chef of France . Alain provided new foods for me to enjoy: Rockfish;,Red Snapper; and Venison
He introduced me to the French Beer 1664 Kronenberg . Going to his restaurant was like being invited into he and Annie´s home. His fantastic smile let you know you were in for a great meal !!! Everyone who knew him miss him. The world lost a great man who was a great Chef ! Diane &
Gerald Ransone
Gerald Ransone
July 21, 2021
Annie, Alain was a great Master Chef. I still feel his presence each and every time I go to eat at Chez Max. His wonderful food made us regulars at your “Family Home Restaurant “. I am so glad and thankful that we have stayed close all these years after his passing. I see his smile and grin
in you and the children. He is truly missed by all those whose lives he touched. Know we are always here for you. Diane & Gerald Ransone
Gerald Ransone
July 21, 2020
Annie....Thinking of you this day. Still miss his wonderful smile !!! He always made us feel so welcome...the restaurant was like your families home and we were a part of it. We will get together soon !!
Diane & Gerald Ransone
September 25, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss; I just learned of it. Your husband had a wonderful joie de vivre and you must miss him incredibly. Please accept our condolences.
September 18, 2010
I send my heartfelt condolences to your family - I am so sorry to have just learned of your loss. Please know I am thinking of you.
Sara Prince
September 9, 2010
Hi Annie,
All the Robertsons have been thinking of you so much these past few weeks, and hope you are doing well. Your husband was such a wonderful person and chef, and we know you have wonderful memories of your time together. Please accept our deepest sympathy and know that we are thinking of you. Best, Libby and Greg Robertson and Hillary, Kate and Wit
larry & karen morris
August 6, 2010
Annie, Clemence, Max.
just remember all the good times we have had. Larry and I will never forget Alain.He was our best friend. Alain is with Brian now. They both are laughing and having a great time. Our thought and prayers go out to Annie ,Clemence and Max. We are so sorry. We will miss the phone calls. We love you Alain. God Bless You !
Mary Munroe
August 3, 2010
Dear Annie, Clemence and Max,
We remember when you first opened the restaurant, Chez Maz, just accross the way from from us, your neighbors at the dance school. Alain, a person that saw the bright side of things, could always find something to laugh about no matter what difficulties he may be facing (like the time his AC went out on a very busy, hot night in the kitchen!). He never failed to radiate warmth and had a smile we will never, ever forget. What a lovely and wonderful man he was! Our hearts go out to you! Love, Miss Mary and The entire staff at West End Academy of Dance
August 2, 2010
Annie, Cindy and I are so sorry that we just heard. I hope you know how much we enjoyed you and Alain's friendship over the past few years, and our converstations when you guys were trying to enjoy your dinners. You always made us feel welcome, and that we were way more than just customers. Our hearts will be with you.
Chris Trimmer, Cindy Burke
Larry Hayes
August 2, 2010
Dearest Annie:
You and your family are in our prayers...Alain was one of the most genuinely thoughtful people I have ever met. His happiness was contagious and his love of life and others was palpable. Britt and I will miss him terribly. God has gained a wonderful companion in Alain and I am sure that he will be filling heaven's kitchen with the wonderful aromas from his cooking... We love you all...our deepest sympathies... Larry & Britt Hayes
August 2, 2010
To Annie , Clemence and Max-We will be there for you guys through thick and thin. We are so saddened about losing Alaine..He was not just our friend but more our family for so many years! He will never be replaced-Today will be hard but you will have so many helping you get through it. We love you all..I will see you shortly.
xxxxx
Joan Oliver Libby Kristen
August 2, 2010
Dear Annie, Clemence and Max,
The news of Chef Alain's passing has filled my heart with sadness. My deepest sympathy goes out to you, and all of your family. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Ted Stevens
August 1, 2010
Annie,
We are so sad and sorry for your loss. Chez Max is our favorite restaurant and it is because of your husband's talent, passion, and attention to detail as well as the friendliness and warmth we have always encountered when you have greeted us at your restaurant. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your precious children.
Love, Tina and J.B. Trivette
Dan Layman
August 1, 2010
Dear Annie
I am so sorry for your loss. It is an honor and a pleasure to know you both. Peg and I will keep you in our prayers.
coutereau jean maryse
July 31, 2010
sincères Condoléances,pensons bien à vous.Maryse et jean Fréjus france
Judy and Dick Nelson
July 31, 2010
Dear Annie,
We are truly saddened to learn of the loss of Alain. He will, however, live on through his family, your wonderful restaurant and his outstanding food. We didn't have the privilege of knowing Alain very well but the wonderful way that you, Annie, make every person feel as they enter the Chez Max door is a true gift and is a reflection of your and Alain's warm personality. Our thoughts and prayers are very much with you and your children at this time of grief.
Jim Hamilton
July 31, 2010
Dear Annie,
I remember one 4th of July in Culpeper when Alain & your family came to Pete Balbirnie's house and we shared dinner & one of Alain's notorious deserts. May God bless & console you & your family. We were all blessed to know such a wonderful man who brought a smile & happiness to all of us.
Chockie Roberts
July 30, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you now as they have been for a while. I know your strength and faith will remain with you during this very sad time of grief. Only time will help mend the heartache. As time passes by may your memories bring you comfort.
Inge Franco
July 29, 2010
Dear Annie, Clemence and Max,
The news of Alain's passing has filled my heart with great sadness. My deepest sympathy goes out to you, the children and all of your family. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Inge Franco with Alexa and Kiki
Pete Balbirnie
July 29, 2010
Dear Annie,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Alain's passing. I always enjoyed chatting with him and sharing an espresso. I remember his big smile and the thrill he seemed to get from seeing people enjoy his food. Please know that you and Clemence and Max are in my prayers.
The Vlahcevic's & Donelson's
July 29, 2010
Annie, Max, and Clem, I can not tell you how saddened we are to here of your loss. Alain was always such a wonderful person to see and talk to...and he always made you feel special...whether on the sidelines of a game, in the restaurant, or just meeting on the street. His generosity, graciousness and spirit will be missed by all of us. We hold you all in our prayers.
Jon and Pam Ansell
July 29, 2010
Dear Anne
Pam and I are so saddened to hear the news about Alain. Even though we only knew him through the restaurant, he will always be fondly remembered by us. His legacy lives on through your wonderful children, his legendary culinary skills, and for us the happy memories we will continue to build each time we visit Chez Max. Our thoughts are with you and the family. Warm regards, Jon and Pam
Geraldine Schneider
July 28, 2010
Dearest Annie,
My sincere and loving thoughts are with you, Clemence, and Max these sad days. Alain will always be remembered in our family with joy and memories of the happy times we spent together. Please know you will always be warmly welcomed with the children at Berry Hill. With all my love I share your grief.
Geraldine Schneider and Patty
Bill and Kate Towler
July 28, 2010
Annie,
I was deeply saddened to read of Alain's passing. As you know, the passage of time never really heals the tragic memory of such a great loss, but we carry on, because we have to, because our loved one would want us to, and because there is still light to guide us in the world from the love he gave us through Chez Max. May his dreams continue with you and your family.
July 28, 2010
Annie, Clemence et Max, From Chile all the Vial Schneider's have you in their prayers and hearts. It was a priviledge to work with you at Prince Michel and we hope to see you personally in August. Alain is very present in our memories. je vous embrasse Cecilia, Jorge, Tote, Charlie et Benjamin
July 28, 2010
I am so sad to hear of Alain's passing. He (and you, Annie) give me some of my favorite memories of Prince Michel. Alain would always share a cup of expresso when I came down to get the restaurant report. I have thought of you both many times over the years. Perhaps one day Jamie & I can visit your restaurant. May God bless and hold you and your children in His arms during this sorrowful time.
May (Long) Kovi
Robin and Chris Nagle
July 28, 2010
Dear Annie, Clem and Max,
Our hearts and prayers go out to all of you. We will miss Alain very very much. Coming into the restaurant and seeing you and Alain was like walking into a private home. His warm embrace and smile to everyone made us feel wonderful to be alive. His long courageous battle was an inspiration to all us. We are very proud to call him our friend and will miss him dearly.
July 28, 2010
Dearest Annie, Clemence and Max,
It has been such a pleasure and a privilege to know all of you and your dear Alain. He was such an inspiration to all of us and brought so much comfort and joy with the twinkle in his eyes and his infectious smile. We will miss him greatly and will keep all of you in our prayers.
The Shaw - Paredes Families
Judy Lee
July 28, 2010
Annie, Clemence and Max, My heart aches to know that he has passed away. Please know that my family and I are here for you. My son, Chris Booth, has worked for you and Alain for the past five years. Alain was a true mentor to my him and will be greatly missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
July 28, 2010
So sorry that Alain has pass Any it was alway a joy to see Him wen We worked at Prince michel Vineyards He was a joyfull celebration of life and a great friend (Fernando Franco)
July 27, 2010
Dear Annie- Jimmy and I are just heartsick over the loss of Alain. He was such a warm and joyous soul. Please know that we had many wonderful and masterful meals at the restaurant. We look forward to many more in Alain's memory and honor. Please let us know if we can help in any way. Much love, Patricia Hunter
Barbara and Bud Kinder
July 27, 2010
Dear Annie,
Our deepest sympathy goes to you, Clemence, Max, and your wonderful staff. As you know, Chez Max has been our favorite restaurant since you opened. Your husband was delightful, as well as being a talented chef. After our move to Florida, we made a special effort to return to Chez Max with our good friends. We understand that Alain's wish was that you and your staff continue with the restaurant and its traditions. We wish you every success for the future. May your wonderful memories of good times shared with your husband sustain you now and in the days to come.
Love and Prayers
Nathalie Bullock
July 27, 2010
"Live your life to the fullest" was the advice he gave me a couple of weeks ago with a smile on his face! So true & that he did!
I will always cherrish the laughs, the gregarious jokes & the fantastic food that we shared together: this little taste of home! Annie, Clemence & Max: I will always be here for you. Nath
Robin and Brad Telfian
July 27, 2010
We will miss Alain's amazing smile and two cheek kisses that completed every visit to Chez Max. Our thoughts and prayers are with Annie, Clem and Max during this challenging time.
Gerald Ransone
July 27, 2010
Annie, Clamence, and Max We were deeply saddened to hear of Alain's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all your extended family.
We will miss him but always remember Alain as a Great master Chef, a wonderful and caring husband and father, a gentle man but an exercise 'fanatic', his famous smile and humor, and his sttention to detail and preparation for every single meal. We feel very fortunate to have been able to be considered "friends" of his.God Loves you and so do we. Diane and Gerald Ransone and family.
July 27, 2010
Annie, Clamence, and Max. Our sympathy and prayers go out to you and Alain's entire extended family. We will miss him greatly, but will always have fond memories and remember him as a Great Master Chef, a wonderful and caring husband and father, an exercise fanatic, his wonderful and cheerful smile, his careful preparation and presentation of his wonderful /delightful food for his customers and his love of France. We are here to support you and your family in any way we can. We feel very fortunate to have know Alain and been able to call him a "TRUE FRIEND". God loves you and so do we. Diane and Gerald Ransone and family
July 27, 2010
A loss of a great friend and fellow chef and restauranteur, Little venice family prays for Annie, Clemence and Max. It was a great plesure knowing Alain sharing the love of Restaurant and Soccer.You left us way too early we will miss you.
Peppino and Alberto
July 27, 2010
Such a nice man. Thoughts and prayers to Annie Max and Clemence
Robin, Steve Scott & David Magat
July 27, 2010
Dearest Annie, Clemence and Max,
Our hearts are breaking with the news of Alain's death. He was always so joyous and fun to be around. We have great memories of him and his culinary masterpieces at Prince Michel. We grieve for you and with you. Know that he and you will be in our prayers. God bless .
Ginny and Philip Ferlazzo
Ken Tweedy
July 27, 2010
CH & I wish to send our love and deepest sympathies to Annie and her family. So many lives have been touched by Alain through his wonderful restaurant and warm and friendly personality. We feel fortunate to have known him. God bless.
Mike and Susan McDonnell
July 27, 2010
Our thoughts are with you, Annie, Clemence and Max ...warm thoughts, sadness, and fond memories
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