Former Savoy and Gleneagles chef Kevin Clark dies after MND battle

Chef Kevin Clark has died, following a short battle with motor neurone disease.

Kevin dedicated his life and career to the hospitality industry, working as a chef, mainly in hotels such as The Savoy and Gleneagles, before moving over to equipment sales.

Having spent six years working with combi oven maker RATIONAL, Kevin joined refrigeration manufacturer Atosa last year.

Kevin sadly died this week.

Industry colleagues have been raising funds in support of Kevin and for MND Scotland, planning a climb of Ben Nevis.

At the time of writing, more than £11,000 has been raised ahead of the ascent this Friday.

The event was set up by Kevin’s former colleagues Sandy Thomassen, sales director at Atosa, as well as Graham Kille from RATIONAL and Unox’s Tom Bentham. They are set to be joined by around 30 others for the climb.

Explaining Kevin’s impact, the GoFundMe page explains: “Kevin Clark - a man whose career, character, and quiet brilliance have left a lasting mark on everyone lucky enough to know him.

“This is our way of honouring and giving back to someone who’s given so much to others in the hospitality industry.”

When the team reach the summit of Ben Nevis, they will cook an omelette at the summit, in tribute to Kevin, who says he did not know how to make one until he joined The Savoy.

Kevin started as a kitchen porter back in 1980 at the age of 17 and by 19, had his first opportunity on the pans as a commis chef at the Kippin House Hotel in Stirling.

He later joined Callearn House Hotel and then onto a role of sous chef, under Roy Smith, at The Woodside Hotel in Aberdour.

Several years later, Kevin moved south of the border to The Savoy in London, developing his skills as a chef.

Future career moves saw Kevin work at the Old Course Hotel, Gleneagles Hotel, Foxhills, Luton Hoo and L’Horizon hotel in the Channel Islands.

Kevin gave up his time to support young developing chefs and became a judge at International Salon Culinaire competitions.

It was during his time whilst working in Jersey that Kevin met Alison, with the pair now married for 34 years.

After such a varied career, Kevin decided to have a change and step out of the kitchen, joining RATIONAL UK as regional sales manager.

He then later took on a new challenge at Atosa UK as national corporate chef.

In December, Kevin started having trouble with walking and a couple of months later was diagnosed with progressive neurological condition MND.

To donate, click here to visit the GoFundMe page.