Wilbert Alviso
Wilbert Alviso (also known as "Bear") is the late husband of Shenanchie O'Toole, owner and operator of Food Fare and Appetizing Muse. As he is often mentioned in blog posts between 2003 and 2007, Shenanchie thought it fitting a special page about Wilbert be included on Appetizing Muse in his memory.
He always believed presentation was a key element of recipe preparation. "What looks good to the eye goes well with the palate," he once said. "No matter what I'm cooking, I always try to present the dish with garnish whether I'm eating alone or not."
Wilbert's culinary contributions to Food Fare included:
Green Beans, Mushrooms & Onions
Louisiana Hot Plate with Cool-Down Side Dish
Spanish Rice (Arroz con Pollo)
Wilbert worked as a healthcare provider. He was a CNA (certified nursing assistant) for more than twenty-five years. His gentle manner touched patients and staff wherever he went.
When not experimenting in the kitchen, he spent his free time woodworking and writing fiction novels. He also liked art and photography.
(Above): Foofer was the main witness at Shenanchie and Wilbert's wedding on February 21, 2002. Pictured from left to right: Elva Alviso, George Alviso, Wilbert, Dawn Ashley, Shenanchie, Foofer, Mum (Joyce O'Toole) and Dad (Barney O'Toole). Click on image to view larger size in a new window.
Shenanchie and Wilbert first met in the autumn of 2000. They were married on February 21, 2002, with Foofer as the main witness.
In Loving Memory
Wilbert "Bear" Alviso, a longtime recipe contributor to Food Fare, passed away on Friday, 2nd September 2011 after a brief illness.
The following is a re-print of his obituary, which ran in the Standard Examiner:
Wilbert Albert Alviso, 54, passed away in Layton on Friday, September 2nd after a brief illness.
The youngest child of John and Elva Alviso, Wilbert was born in East Chicago, Indiana and raised in Gary. He also lived in Orange Cove, California, where he graduated from Reedley High School. He also attended Fresno Technical College and later received an Associates Degree from Kings River Community College in Reedley.
Known as "Bear" by his friends and co-workers, Wilbert was a CNA (certified nursing assistant) for more than twenty-five years. His gentle manner touched both patients and staff at Okanogan Douglas District Hospital and Columbia Medical Clinic in Brewster, Washington; at Whitman Health & Rehabilitation Center in Colfax, Washington; and at St. Luke's Rehabilitation Institute in Spokane.
Wilbert was preceded in death by his father, John Alviso. He is survived by his wife Deborah ("Shenanchie") O'Toole; his mother Elva Alviso (Orange Cove, CA); brother George Alviso (Layton), sister Dolores Pasillas (Richard), sister Rita Duran (Alfredo) of Orange Cove; nieces and nephews Freddie, Steven, Elizabeth, Marisa, Monica and numerous cousins, aunts and uncles.
Wilbert was a kind, considerate and gentle man. He was unforgettable not just to his family and Food Fare, but to many others who knew him over the years as well.
He is greatly missed.
