Wilford Joseph Masset

Wil Masset was born to Victor and Loretta Masset, a coal miner and homemaker in 1942.

Wil grew up in Issaquah, WA and from his earliest recollections as a child his life’s passion was to become a chef. Wil graduated from Issaquah High School and attended the Culinary School of Edison Technical College (now Seattle Central College), and went on to continue training at the international culinary and hospitality epicenter in Switzerland. Upon his return to North America, Wil worked at the Olympic Hotel in Seattle where he prepared meals for thousands of guests including government officials and other well known patrons. Wil was also a chef at the Everett Golf and Country Club, and numerous other fine restaurants. He married the love of his life, Sandra Jean (Wagner) on July 13, 1968.

Wil was appointed to help design and institute the Culinary Arts Program at South Seattle Community College in 1975. Wil was always an entrepreneur at heart and in 1979 he came to the Yakima Valley with his family in tow, to open his own restaurant, which had been a lifelong dream. He worked tirelessly with his soulmate Sandy at his side, and their business partnership was heralded by many visitors to their restaurant and inn. Wil enjoyed the success of his award winning restaurant, was asked to consult on numerous other restaurant endeavors throughout the Northwest, and was asked to cook at the prestigious James Beard House in New York City just before he retired. An avid antiquer and vintage car restorer, Wil met thousands of friends through his car club, antiquing and clock restoration hobbies, as well as on travels to Europe. In his retirement, he also enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, as well as entertaining and cooking for friends and family at his home. Wil is remembered as a devoted friend and exceptional mentor to many culinary students, restaurant staff and family.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother Victor and Loretta, and his wife Sandra Jean Masset. He is survived by his brother Urban (Diana) Masset of Issaquah, WA; his sons Brad (Erika) Masset, Greg (Michaela) Masset, and his grandchildren Braedon, Rocky, Jaxson and Matthew; his brother-in-law Bruce (Tina) Wagner, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Wil’s family would like to sincerely thank the following people entrusted with his care over the past 13 months: Helen, Rachelle, Isabelle, Yolanda, Dr. Henson and Dr. Foltz of Swedish Medical Center Cherry Hill Campus, Dr. Goldy Bansahl, Tiffany and Ryan of Yakima Hematology Oncology; Nurse Anna, caregiver Laura and social worker David at Cottage In The Meadow, Dr. Davison of North Star Lodge and Dr. Robert Conroy of Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital.

A Celebration of Life Open House for Wil will take place at Birchfield Manor Restaurant on October 27, 2013, from 1:00-4:00 PM.

Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. To share a memory of Wil, visit www.lmfuneralhome.com.