Our Story
In memory of my stepson
Chef Kristofer
Jan1988 to Dec 2020
Kristofer Bihis passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 17, 2020
Kristofer Bihis was born on January 28, 1988 in Vancouver, B.C. Kristofer was an incredibly kind child with a big heart. He loved sports, played basketball as a guard during his elementary years, and spending a lot of his childhood swimming, playing baseball as a pitcher, and soccer as a goalie. His athleticism continued in his education at Vancouver College (as a 13 Year Man), where he played football for the Vancouver College Fighting Irish.
Kristofer had a prolific career as a Red Seal Chef, working at many respected restaurants in the city including major restaurant chains like White Spot, Earls, and Joey Restaurants. He was instrumental in opening several restaurants including the Queen’s Café, the Perch at the Alma Mater Society at UBC, and The Living Room at the Hotel Belmont. His reputation for his robust knowledge of food was demonstrated when he was interviewed by the CBC. He was working towards achieving his next designation as a Certified Chef De Cuisine which is one of the highest rankings of chefs in Canada.
Kris donated his resources, knowledge, and time volunteering as a Chef Instructor at the Vancouver School Board and coached the VSB Culinary Team. He was also the youth group leader for many years at the St. Augustine’s Parish.
Kristofer’s esteemed career spans roles as the Knife Professional and Instructor at Gourmet Warehouse, Executive Chef and Business Owner of the catering company Kreative Solutions, and Chef de Cuisine at Hotel Belmont.
Kristofer was also intensely bright with a fantastic memory, with dreams of getting his Bachelor of Education at UBC. Future generations of students are deprived of a remarkable teacher with his untimely passing.
Kristofer Bihis was an amazingly kind-hearted man with an indomitable spirit who always managed to overcome whatever struggles life handed him, with Papa Bear by his side. He was a loving son, partner, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend. He left the world too soon but not without a big impact on anyone who was lucky enough to know him.
To keep Chef Kris’ legacy of helping students in their culinary career, a scholarship fund managed by the BCHF is available for donations:
https://bchospitalityfoundation.com/act-now/donate/kristofer-bihis-scholarship-fund/
Kris, you left this world too early. We were supposed to be a team. You will be missed but will always be in many hearts forever.
For outstanding service- The Meal, March 3, 1991 awarded to:
Catalino Misenas, Director of Catering
From the time I attended a formal function in the very prestigious Manila Hotel in my teens, I knew that the Hospitality and Food and Beverage Industry would be my passion.
My very first job in Canada at the Hotel Vancouver in 1972 as a banquet houseman started the career of my lifetime in the hospitality industry. Constantly experiencing a variety of positions in various hotels through my initial years in Vancouver, I eventually completed the Hospitality and Foodservices Management Course at BCIT.
Hotel and foodservice management brought me to various hotels in several Canadian cities and provinces always upgrading and surpassing my personal goals.
As the personal demands I put on myself to succeed and excel in the industry (with the long hours and constant movement to other cities) did take a toll on my personal life, I was open to a new challenge.
Very fortunate to join the largest national leader in the Foodservice Equipment and Supply industry in Canada in 1996 eventually managing their largest branch in Vancouver. 24 years with the company gave me a very solid background in sales and general management, foodservice equipment & supply distribution and servicing , numerous contacts in the industry, and just a very solid background to start Smallwares Solutions.
Being diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma early 2018, a cancer with no current cure yet gave me a better prospective on life that I have to be the best I can ever be. This is the motivation I have to excel in this tremendous opportunity!
Catalino