'The entire city is feeling it.' Seattle mourns the loss of chef Thierry Rautureau

On Sunday, Seattle chef Thierry Rautureau died of complications from pulmonary fibrosis.

Thierry was a staple of the Seattle food scene — his restaurants, Rover, Luc, and Loulay, helped build Seattle’s reputation as a culinary destination.

Rautureau was a board member for local charities including Food Lifeline, which stocks food banks, shelters, and meal programs.

And KUOW listeners will know him as a frequent guest on shows like The Record, helping listeners decide how to best use the food in their fridge. He also co-hosted the long running KIRO radio show Hot Stove Society radio, formerly Seattle Kitchen.

But, restaurateur Tom Douglas said that more than any of that, Rautureau was known for his kindness.

"Thierry was the joie de vivre that I would wish everyone would have in their life."

Douglas is the owner of several Seattle restaurants, including Lola, Dahlia Bakery, and the Carlisle Room. He’s also the co-host of Hot Stove Society Radio on KIRO Radio.

He was also close friends with Rautureau.

"I always wanted to go to France, to see what a free star restaurant was like, or Italy or wherever. And Thierry had that background," Douglas said. "We ended up chatting and, and just became buddies."

Douglas said he thinks Rautureau should be remembered for his love of dancing, of his family, and of life.

"If we can all be as successful as him of living an entire thoughtful, full life, I think we could all die happy."

Read more about Rautureau's life and impact here.