We are very sorry to hear the sad news of Chef Mastalir's passing. I first met Chef Mastalir when I was student in the Hotel & Restaurant Management program at SAIT. Although not the Dean for my area of study, our student club worked along with the Culinary student club to host an event which needed approval. I'll admit I was very nervous at our first meeting, little did I know at the time what a warm, wonderful fellow he truly was. Chef Mastalir heard I was from Ontario and when I saw him at Graduation he asked if I was planning on moving back to Ontario, because he would be happy to "give Norm as call" to help me out with a job. I'm sure I'm only one of many students who benefited from Chef Mastalir's generous support.
As the years went by I returned to SAIT as an Instructor and while Chef Mastalir had retired, he was still very active in the Hospitality 100 Club, a group he was instrumental in founding. I got to know Paul in a whole new light as a volunteer faculty support for many 100 Club Dinners. Paul & Norma, and their usual band of friends/family were always enthusiastic about whatever the students had 'cooked up'. We could count on their genuine interest and willingness to go along with the many different themes and culinary adventures the students created.
I remember being on study tour with Cindy and marveling at how she always had treats for everyone on the bus. When I asked her about it, she told me if was just a natural as her Dad had always had treats for everyone to share on long car rides. To me that sums up Chef Mastalir, caring and generous to all.
We have so many fond memories of wonderful family time spent together. Paul was at the forefront of creating family time for us all, and was always keen to have a bit of fun! We are so lucky to have had him as a father, grandfather, and great grandfather for so many years. May he rest in peace knowing that we will continue on celebrating family in his name.
Paul Mastalir was an exceptional chef, and we are grateful for his vision in founding la Chaine des Rotisseurs in Calgary. He was a great mentor to experienced chefs and young cooks alike. Thank you Paul for your years of dedication to la Chaine and our culinary members.
