Vichael John Llave

Vichael John Llave, lovingly known as John, passed away on October 16, 2024, at the age of 44 at the University of Chicago Medical Center, after a courageous battle with a rare autoimmune disease. John was surrounded by his family and loved ones in his final moments, a reflection of the deep bond he shared with those closest to him.

John was born on December 30, 1979, in the Philippines, to Vicente Llave and Helen Santos. Over two decades, John built a name for himself in the liquor and beverage industry, where he contributed to the success of brands such as VOSS, Sprecher, and most recently blk. Known for his leadership and mentorship, John inspired those around him to aim higher, always exceeding expectations and raising the bar for himself and his colleagues. His work ethic was unmatched—John was relentless in his dedication to his brand and his teams, always driven by a desire to see others succeed. He took great pride in every goal met and milestone surpassed, never settling for less than excellence.

A man of diverse interests, John was also an avid car enthusiast. Whether behind the wheel of his iconic orange Civic, red Corvette or reliving memories in his old-school Toyota Previa van, cars were one of his greatest passions. He was always eager to share his knowledge and enthusiasm, whether it was about performance specs or the history behind a particular model. Beyond his love for automobiles, John had a special appreciation for Nike Air Maxes. He wore his collection with pride, ranging from classic styles to limited-edition pairs. John was always down for new experiences and traveling, from spontaneous weekend trips, visiting Disney, and traveling to various cities in Mexico.

Above all else, John was a devoted family man, and nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his loved ones. Holiday gatherings were a special highlight of the year for him, and he was famous for over-ordering food in his excitement, ensuring that no one ever left the table hungry. His passion for cooking was an extension of his love for his family and friends, and he took pride in creating meals that brought everyone together. For John, food was not just sustenance—it was a way to express care, nurture connections, and create lasting memories with the people he cherished most.

John's relationship with his children was especially strong. His bond with his daughter, Victoria, was immediate from birth. He was a hands-on father who captured their playful moments, making silly videos together and sharing inside jokes. This was a testament to how much fun he found in being a father, fully embracing the role with joy and enthusiasm. Recently, his love for volleyball blossomed entirely through Victoria, and he quickly became her biggest fan. John stepped into a father-figure role for Eric early in his life, attending all of his soccer games, school events, and college visits. The love they all shared will remain a lasting legacy of his devotion as a father.

John’s life was a testament to loyalty, love, and a youthful spirit that never faded. He maintained close relationships with friends from every stage of his life, from his teenage years to adulthood.

John cherished the moments he spent with Jessica exploring new places, enjoying quiet evenings at home, or simply sharing in the joys of everyday life. He delighted in surprising her with breakfast in bed and coffee, often crafting her favorite dishes and taking the time to savor the moments together.

In addition to his love for Jessica, John had a deep appreciation for his in-laws and always made an effort to celebrate their birthdays and special occasions. He loved spending time with them at their house, often visiting multiple times a week to share meals, stories, and laughter. He valued family connections and believed in the importance of creating lasting memories together. John’s commitment to Jessica and their families was a testament to his belief in love and family, and he often expressed his gratitude for having them in his life.

John is survived by his significant other, Jessica, their two children, Eric (22) and Victoria (12), his mother, Helen, and his beloved mini goldendoodle, Archie, fondly known as Chiboi. He also leaves behind many siblings, nephews, nieces, godchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends who will continue to cherish his memory. John was preceded in death by his father, Vicente.

His memory will endure in the hearts of those who cherished him, and his youthful spirit will always resonate in the laughter and love he freely shared.