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Hook Atsavinh Obituary

Hook Atsavinh, a popular area sushi chief and owner of Hook's Sushi Bar and Thai Food, has died of unknown causes, his family said. Atsavinh, 44, is a well known Pinellas fixture, having worked at 9 Bangkok Restaurant and Sushi Rock Grill before opening his own restaurant at 1210 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. N St. in St. Petersburg.

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Published by Tampa Bay Times from Jan. 28 to Feb. 2, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Hook Atsavinh

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Lauren Atsavinh

April 24, 2019

Hey Dad,

I know its a little late. I am 13 now. This year has been kind of rough and I have been thinking about you lots. I miss you so much and reading all of these you sound like the best person that has ever lived. I wish I got to spend more time with you. I love you and I have so much to tell you one day. I love you


Your Daughter,

Lauren

Noreen Hoagland

July 5, 2010

I can only honor your memory. I will do so by being a true friend to your brother and sister.

Noreen

He was enjoying life and having a drink, very happy!!!!

Nancy Phelps

January 27, 2010

Dearest big brother, it's been a year today. I still miss you even more then ever. My heart still aches deeply. I will never forget all the good that you done and the legacy that you left behind. It was a honor to have you as a big brother and for me to be your only sister. You were such a loving and caring person. I love you<3!!!!!

June 25, 2009

We love you Hook, Travis Winans

March 1, 2009

John DiMura

February 24, 2009

I met Hook several years ago when he was at
Sushi Rock.He was a very unique and real person with a positive force that was addicting
He will be greatly missed.I just learned this from his brother.My deepest sympathy to your family

John DiMura

Hooks Birthday Party @ Nova Lounge 2008

Nancy Phelps

February 7, 2009

Hook I miss you with every moment that passes. I keep you in my heart and I know that you're looking out for us. I know you don't want us to be sad but we can't help it. You're such a great guy with a loving and caring heart that never has limits. Thank you for being such a loving brother to us, a loving son to mom, a loving uncle to your nieces and nephews, a loving dad to your children, a loving husband to Michelle and great friend to all. You will forever be in our hearts. Until I see you again on the other side I will miss you and keep you in my heart.
Your loving sister,
~Nancy
R.I.P. Hook

Mike & Laura Todd

February 7, 2009

Hook, you will be sorely missed. Your smile and warm demeanor was always a constant when we walked into you restaurant. Your establishment served the best sushi in town, bar none. We pray for your family in their time of grief.

Mark Lemon

February 3, 2009

I am sorry to hear of Hook's passing. He and I shared a lot of restaurant stories and laughs together. The loss of this mans Passion and Talent is a loss to everyone. We should all strive to have the same drive in our lives. Namaste my friend.

Brett Rinehart

February 2, 2009

You will be deeply missed, Hook. Your food was wonderful, but to see the absolute joy in you as you worked is something that everyone should strive to attain. We wish you the all the best Michelle.

P DOR

February 2, 2009

Our deepest sympathies to Hook's family. We will miss him.

George Farrell

February 2, 2009

Hook is one of those rare people that could be successful anyplace, anytime, anywhere. I LOVE YOU HOOK

Alex, Barb, Hook, Isabel & Tricia

Isabel lee

February 2, 2009

I am so sad to hear that Hook will no longer be greeting me with his smiling welcome face the next time I come to St. Pete. My sister and her family are much closer friends, but he made me feel just like family when I visited there. He was a charming man, and a loving father. I remember him so proudly showing off his baby daughter, and now I see he has a son as well. I am sad that that he has left us so soon, but happy that I had the pleasure of meeting him. He always told me he wanted to come to Alaska to fish and I had hoped that I could welcome him to my state and show him as much hospitality as he showed me. He will truly b e missed, not only for his sushi, but his personality as well.

Roger Schaffer

February 1, 2009

Michelle
Hook was always smilling and always happy.
As he was in this world he will be in the next.

Jeff and Kim Morello

February 1, 2009

Michelle,

Absolutely unreal! This is such a shock. I guess the saying "Only the good die young" is true...especially in the case of Hook. If there is anything that we can do, please don't hesitate to ask.

Barbara Edwards

February 1, 2009

"It can't be true" those words open a wound in your heart that will never heal. Many of us have suffered the loss of a loved one. Time will heal the stabbing unbelivable pain, but his memory will be with you every day of your life. I am so sorry for your loss. Barbara Edwards

Tai Swank

February 1, 2009

From parties at his house to the hospitality in his restaurant(endless sake tea kettles), he was always making sure it was the best time ever for you. One night I broke down on my vespa and was walking it home at 2am. I hear this guy scream "tai" it was him still at the restaurant. He drove me home and let me leave it in the restaurant till the next day.
Let's celebrate the life he lived and the smiles he made.

Fred & Georgia Painter

January 31, 2009

Dear Michelle,

Fred and I would like to send our condolences to you and your family. It was such an honor to have been included in Lauren's first birthday party where we first met Hook. He was a very special man and will be missed by his family and his many friends as well. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. If there is anything we can do for you and your family please let us know. Love to you and your two precious children.

Cynthia, Nell & Alexander

January 31, 2009

How can we put into words the glorious memories shared at Hook's restaurant as well as our home. His smile, quick wit, charm and of course great culinary skills shall be remembered always. We send our sincerest condolences to Hook's family in particular his wife, daughter and son. We know he shall be their guardian "Chef" angel forever.

Jolyne Mamber

January 31, 2009

Often in my home I would hear, "Hook this....Hook that..." My husband and daughter love sushu...but more importantly loved Hook! What a guy...so thoughtful...always remembering my daughter when seeing my husband...They totally admired and trusted his creations of sushi! Everytime my daughter came home from The Netherland, she always wanted to do sushi at Hook's and see Hook. They would come home 'WOW- ing' about the incrediable meal that Hook created for them. Speaking for my family...We will deeply miss Hook...and are so very grateful that we knew him and enjoyed his artful cooking creations. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Love, Jolyne, Dave and Carlyn Mamber (Dave's Aqua Lounge)

Kathe Bierhoff

January 30, 2009

He was so gracious and friendly when we went to his restaurant. This time we took a group picture and I never sent it to him. We will sincerely miss him.

Hook took the time to laugh with us.

Kathe Bierhoff

January 30, 2009

He was so gracious and friendly when we went to his restaurant. This time we took a group picture and I never sent it to him. "Cause I did not look good" in the picture. But he looks terrific.
We will sincerely miss him.

Kathe (the one who looks drunk)

January 30, 2009

You will always be in our thoughts. You brought so many people together in different ways than you will ever know. Like Jonathan said we wouldn't be together if it was for you. You have the biggest heart! We will remember you always, Love Jonathan & Bebie

Micahael and Friska Monyca Christie

January 30, 2009

We are shocked and saddened to hear about Hook's sudden passing away. He was a very friendly and kind gentleman and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Our hearts and prayers go out to Michelle and his family. May his memory be eternal

RL

January 29, 2009

Sake bombs with Hook at the St Pete Beach location a few years back was my first introduction to the best sushi chef in the area & every other time thereafter was a great experience along with great food. Hook will be forever missed!!!

Cory, Andy & Noah Castillo

January 29, 2009

Melinda, Peter, Nancy and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Ann & Tom Straley Jupiter Hematology Oncology

January 29, 2009

Peter, Melinda and Family,
Thinking of you all and keeping you in my prayers at such a difficult time. With Love and Deepest Sympathy in the loss of your loved one.

Sherry Garcia

January 29, 2009

Dear Hook, I just wanted to thank you for making me feel so welcome in your home, at your restaurant, for the laughs we shared during that poker game at Thanksgiving 2007 (I think), for the BEST sushi experience Iv'e ever had, and I thank you and your family as well for being a part of my journey here.

I hope your looking over my shoulder right now and can read all the beautiful memories that people have of you.

When you get to your new home (let's just call it your second home) My wish for is........when your awake, you get to party like a rock star, and when your at rest, your so peacefully sleeping with the angels.

Your home will always be with your wife,your children,your family, and your spirit will always be here, at home, with them.

We will miss you Hook.

Sherry

Fawn

January 29, 2009

My blessings go out to the Hook family, including the workers at Hook's Sushi bar, the extended family. Hook had a great personality. It was always refreshing to go into his restaurant to have him greet us everytime and even sit down to chat and have a drink with us. He will be missed!

Elaine and Mark Feldman

January 29, 2009

We are saddened at your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family at this time.

Kay Pastor

January 29, 2009

To Hook's family, I am very sorry for your loss. Hook was a great guy, whenever I stopped in next door (at the Flamingo) he'd always pop his head out the kitchen door to say hello. A very sweet man, he will be missed.

Angie Schroeder

January 29, 2009

Hook...you always made me smile. I will miss you. You and your family are in my prayers.

Family Resources

January 29, 2009

Hook was a wonderful person and a great philanthropist in the community. He was always eager to participate in our fundraising events and such a joy to work with. He will be missed by many.

Michelle our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time.

Lima Brocia

January 29, 2009

Rest in peace Hook. We will miss you.

Spencer Fossen

January 29, 2009

To the Family of Hook Atsavinh, My prayers and blessings go out to you guys. Although he is gone, his spirit will still be with you all and in the resturante. He always had a good joke for us everytime he walked by the table, and is one of the most charasmatic and well respected resturante owners in St Petersburg. I am sure I speak on behalf of the city of St. Petersburg, that he will truly be missed. I am so sorry for this tragic occurance and pray for the best for Hook's family, friends, and the community in which he touched.

Stephanie (Rick's daughter) Donaldson

January 29, 2009

Hook...you will be greatly missed! I give thanks to my dad (Rick) for introducing me to the restaurant..and besides it being your name...no wonder why you called it HOOKS! I was hooked :-) Everytime we would come in there you would always come over and greet us like you knew us forever. Your funny and friendly personality lit the entire restaurant! My deepest sympathy goes out to your whole family and the family of Hook's. It wont be the same without you!

Nancy Gillespie

January 29, 2009

TO ALL OF HOOKS FAMILY, SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR SUDDEN LOSS. MAY ALL OF YOU FIND COMFORT IN THE WONDERFUL LEGACY HE HAS CREATED.
ALL MY LOVE.

Rob & Laura Bechtel

January 29, 2009

Michelle and Family, our hearts and prayers are with you. Hook was a good Man and a dear friend. We will truly miss him. He befriended my Wife and my self as if we had always been friends, as well as my whole family. Such a big heart will be missed dearly. The entire town will feel this loss. With a heavy heart we send our deepest condolinces.

joe & janette

January 29, 2009

We will surely miss Hook very much.
There are many reason's that Hook's place was our favourite spot to eat. Delicious food, comfy atmosphere, great staff and Hook himself. Hook's friendliness made us feel right at home.

Laura Unger

January 29, 2009

My dearest Hook, I know your resting with the Angels! I so already miss you and your happy smile and your love for life. Everytime I walked in the Restaurant you would always say " laura girl good to see you, how's life and whatcha you eating today? We shared jokes, talked about Martial Arts I even had a chance to hold your little girl! My how life was taken from you so soon........ I will never stop eating at your restaurant, however, it won't be the same without you. May God bless you and your loved one's. You will forever be in my thoughts!

God Bless,

Laura Unger

ERIC LEBRON

January 29, 2009

YOU WILL BE MISSED.

Eric Carnall

January 29, 2009

Sorry to hear of Hooks passing. I always had the best experiences at his restaurant. People who know him far better than I say he was a wonderful person. RIP

Big Fans

January 29, 2009

My wife and I had our first date at Hook's. Although Hook didn't know us, he made a special eel roll, not on the menu, special for us. After many more visits to Hook's we came to know that it was his nature to be generous. He enjoyed the visitors who sincerely loved food and drink, and so they were rewarded with his passion which he cultivated through those who appreciated his craft the most. We will miss Hook and his generous and infectious spirit!

YOUR FRIENDS

January 28, 2009

Miss You!

Peter Schosch

January 28, 2009

After I learned that Hook had passed away, I called over to his restaurant on MLK to find out if they would still be open. You could hear the sadness in the hostess' voice when she said 'yes'.
-
I headed over to the restaurant, if nothing else than to pay homage to man whose vibrancy had lightened my life every time I had the pleasure of seeing him. The place was a madhouse, more so because it was $1 sushi night than anything else. It didn't seem like too many people were crying in their sake. But there were several members of the staff who recognized me as a longtime customer and that's when we all shared a bow of tribute to our lost friend.
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I toasted Hook, not with my regular Kirin, but with the Heineken he so often preferred. Man, could that guy take down a bottle of Heineken. I don't know what it is about the great sushi chefs of Tampa Bay, but every one I've met...Hook, Peter Thamavong, Mang...they all do love them some Heineken.
-
Ironically, I had already eaten sushi for dinner and so when I arrived at Hook's I wasn't that hungry. But sitting at the bar, emotion and hunger began to devour me. I just couldn't help but cry for this spirit I use to know. For the man who introduced me to sricha. For all the great chefs, like my own father, who toil for our pleasure day in and day out. It was just when I was most choked up that I saw one of Hook's youngest sushi chefs crafting another roll all the while tears ran down his own face.
-
Forty-four years old. Far too soon. I know Hook's somewhere special, probably bluffing someone out of a pot of heavenly poker. Hmong Daw, Hook.

Catherine and Dwight

January 28, 2009

Hook really seemed to enjoy life. He was always smiling and even when the restaurant was really busy he still made time for a joke. He took the time to support other businesses in the area, which we appreciated very much. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and his extended family. We will miss his bright smile.

DJ AND BRIAN EUBANKS

January 28, 2009

Dearest Michelle and Family..Our hearts are so very, very saddened over the sudden loss of a wonderful husband, a loving father, a son,brother,brother-in-law and friend.
Brian and I pray that you will find peace and comfort in each beautiful memory that you and Hook shared together. May you find rest in God's grace and and His love.
Blessed are those that mourn for they shall be comforted.
We love you and are here for you and the children.

Rizzum Rick

January 28, 2009

You will be missed.

Eric Smith

January 28, 2009

My deep condolences to family and friends. I have meet and ate at Mr. Atsavinh's restaurant a few times. A very plesent and nice gentlemen. I am glad i was able to have met him and he will be missed.

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