"A stalwart of Whistler's restaurant scene for more than 30 years, Pascal's appetite for life was only surpassed by his generosity and loyalty. His Le Gros Restaurant reflected these values: on the menu, where Pascal's passion for honest food from the land meant fresh mushrooms, tomatoes, fish and game; and in the clientele, most of whom were long-time patrons and friends from around the world.
Pascal was born in Issoudin, France. The family moved to Switzerland when he was two, returning to Besancon, France when he was in his teens. Pascal apprenticed as a chef in Neuchatel, Switzerland and then worked in various restaurants and hotels, including the Hotel Regina in Wengen, Switzerland.
In search of adventure, he moved to Canada in the mid-70s and worked various jobs in Banff and Vernon before arriving in Whistler in 1979. His first job in Whistler was at the Highland Lodge working under Penny Wright. He worked at Stoney's for several months before returning to Wengen for a year.
He came back to Whistler and partnered with Simone Aaron at Madame's, formerly Rudy's Steakhouse on Nesters Road.
In 1981 Pascal opened The Sundial restaurant in the new Whistler Village. He built a strong following among local residents and weekend visitors and as a result The Sundial not only survived but prospered during the recession of the early 1980s. In 1987 Pascal sold The Sundial to Umberto Menghi, who renamed it The Trattoria.
After a two-year hiatus Pascal and Herb Niemann, formerly of The Black Forest restaurant, opened Les Deux Gros restaurant on Alta Lake Road in 1989. Niemann left a few years later and the restaurant was renamed Le Gros.
Over the years Pascal hosted many events at Le Gros, from weddings and birthdays to celebrations of life. Annual parties were held at Halloween and on Bastille Day, a chance for the local French Connection to reunite and take part in the infamous petanque tournament.
A strong skier, in his early years in Whistler Pascal worked part time as a videographer for Tyax Heli-skiing. At Tyax Lodge he got to know the B.C. backcountry and appreciate the fishing, hunting and mushroom picking opportunities.
The shoulder seasons were also filled with motorcycle road trips to Alaska, Mexico and all manner of places in between.
While his sense of adventure took him to all kinds of places his sense of loyalty kept him close to many. Always generous and caring, Pascal's personal touch was part of most meals, whether it was a plate of pommes frites, an after-dinner drink or a joke involving his collection of mischievous props."