AHF was saddened to learn last week that Kevin Vigeant, Executive Vice President of Lakeside Manufacturing Foodservice, passed away on April 27, 2023 unexpectedly. One of the great blessings of our Industry are the relationships and friendships that we cultivate along the way. Coupled with the tremendous joy of reconnecting and catching up at conferences, via social media and other channels comes the overwhelming sadness and grief when we lose one of our colleagues, especially when it occurs far too soon. Unfortunately, we recently were faced with the latter upon hearing of the passing of our amazing friend and fierce healthcare foodservice and hospitality advocate, Kevin Vigeant.
While most recently, Kevin acted as a formidable competitor of mine in his role as Executive Vice President of Lakeside Manufacturing, also supporting additional brands within the Sandstone portfolio of Multiteria and Alluserv. But competitor aside - both professionally as well as in our regular early-AM races to secure what was often the only Peloton bike in hotel gyms at the myriad conferences we attended together, he has been a tremendous ally, respected Industry colleague, and confidant of mine for well over the past 15 years and beyond, for many others.
Many of us within AHF Membership have crossed paths with Kevin at annual conferences, regional events, and within your respective facilities. But for those that weren’t fortunate enough to have engaged with him personally, know that he served as a steward of the healthcare industry and always had uncompromising standards as it relates to operating and leading with integrity and supporting both operators and manufacturers alike.
On behalf of AHF Membership and Business Partners, we send his wife, Karen, children, Kaitlyn and Kyle, and all of his loved ones our deepest condolences as they navigate this challenging time. And when we gather in Orlando this August, let’s be sure to raise a glass and make a toast in honor of our cherished friend, who will forever be remembered as part of the fabric that has made AHF what it is today.
If you would like to honor Kevin directly donations are being accepted for his Church's children's backpack program. Donate to First Church of Christ's backpack program here: https://lnkd.in/e5pVrX7G
Under General Donation – enter the amount, and donation frequency of one-time, click continue and fill out the payment information. Please send an email to firstchurch@glastonburyfirst.org with the amount donated and say it is for Kevin Vigeant’s memorial.
More information from Lakeside Manufacturing and Kevin's family can be found here.
A special thanks to Stephanie Gilbert for helping us put together this remembrance of Kevin. His loss will be felt by everyone at AHF and within the wider foodservice community.