Kenneth L. Garver

Kenneth L. “Keni” Garver, age 71, passed away on Wednesday, June 20, 2012, with his lifetime partner, Marvin Pate by his side. Keni was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth. Along with Marvin, he is survived by his mother, Ruthanna Garver; siblings, Sally Louden of Urbana, Kathy Zimmerman of St. Paris, and Jennifer Goodfellow of St. Paris; and several nieces and nephews. Keni graduated from the Culinary Institute of America. He apprenticed at Kuenning’s Restaurant and later became Executive Chef of the Christopher Inn. He was Owner/Executive Chef at Ilonka’s Party House. He served as Executive Chef, Kosher Division, at Sanese Services before becoming Corporate Chef at DiPaolo Sysco Food Services. He was a well-known Kosher Executive Chef in the Columbus Jewish Community until his failing health forced him to retire. Keni was a Certified Executive Chef, a member of the American Academy of Chefs, a Charter Member, past President, and Board of Directors Member of the American Culinary Federation Columbus Chapter, a past President and Board Member of The Central Ohio Restaurant Association, and a past President and Board Member of the International Food Service Executives, and on the Advisory Board of the Ohio Restaurant Association. He served on the Advisory Board of the Southeast and Northwest Career Centers and was active in the Vaud-Villities Community Productions. He was a member of Temple Beth Shalom. A memorial service will be held at Temple Beth Shalom, 5098 Johnstown Road, New Albany, on Sunday, July 1, 2012, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Keni’s memory to The American Academy of Chefs, 190 Center Place Way, St. Augustine, FL 32095; or to Temple Beth Shalom. Arrangements by the Schoedinger Midtown Chapel. Visit www.schoedinger.com to extend condolences.