“Chef” Geoffrey Michael, 80, of Waco, ended his 24 year battle with cancer, December 14, 2020 surrounded by his precious family.
Memorial Service: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 19, at Oak Grove Baptist Church, 614 Oak Grove Loop, China Spring
Committal Graveside Service: Wortham Bend Cemetery with lunch provided by the members of Oak Grove Baptist immediately following
Geoffrey’s life has impacted the lives of thousands with his gracious wit and charm. He was not only an icon in Central Texas but a beloved husband, a world-class father, a man of faith, a mentor, and a dear friend to so many. He quite literally, wore many hats! To most, he was a Master Chef, TV personality, entrepreneur, and friendly face to everyone he passed. But he was also a life-line for many when they found themselves elbow-deep in an ambitious endeavor in their own kitchen or life for that matter.
He was born to Robert and Elaine Goodman on August 23, 1940, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his cherished daughter, Gabrielle Michael, his fathers, Mack Latz, and Robert Goodman as well as his mother, Elaine Latz.
He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Marcia Michael; his son, Graham Michael; his brothers, Gordon and Andrew Latz and their families; his step-daughter, Ashleigh Russell and granddaughter, Ariella Russell; his siblings by marriage, Keenan Moore and Justine Slaughter along with their families, Judi Michael, mother of Gabrielle and Graham Michael; and God-grandson, Silas Afflerbaugh.
He will be remembered for his culinary wizardry, his general flair for life, and his line of seasonings that are present with us every time we are seated at our tables. Our “Cowboy-Chef” is sorely missed. For those who wish to continue his legacy through his spices, they can continue to be ordered here.
Additionally, the family is asking for anyone and everyone with photos or stories to share! Text stories can be shared here and photos can be added to the families shared google drive here. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1PbFuN9f8L9y0LC03qo4rbA0-G-2rIfNl
A quote “Chef” lived by… “The best thing for the inside of a man is the outside of a horse.” – Ronald Reagan
The Rules of the Chef
- The Chef is right.
- The Chef is always right.
- The Chef does not sleep, he rests.
- The Chef does not eat, he nourishes himself.
- The Chef doesn’t drink, he tastes.
- The Chef is never late, he is delayed.
- The Chef never leaves the service, he is called away.
- If you enter The Chefs office with your own idea, you leave with his.
- The Chef doesn’t have a relationship with his secretary, he educates her.
- It is forbidden for Chefs to marry in order that their numbers should not increase.
- The Chef is always the Chef… even in his swimming costume.
- If you criticize the Chef, you criticize The Almighty.
If you prefer, and in lieu of flowers donations can be made directly to Oak Grove Baptist Church in China Spring, TX or you may contribute funds to an account we have created in “Chef Geoffrey & Gabrielle Michael’s” name. 100% of the proceeds will be used and distributed directly within the community of China Spring, TX to support local families and their pursuit of education. Graham’s Venmo is @Graham-Michael or via PayPal gtmichael74@gmail.com
Place of Service: Wortham Bend Cemetery , 614 Oak Grove Loop; China Spring, TX 76633
Print Obituary & Condolences
So sad, he was a friend to so many and a Waco iicon. I will never forget the years of the Waterworks and later the Boat. He will be remembered and missed. Condolences and thoughts of love to Judi and Graham.
Marsha -I am so sorry to hear about Chef. He was such a special person & will be greatly missed. You & your family are in my thoughts & prayers.
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to your family.
So very sorry for your cherished loss to your family Marcia. He was a true gentleman , chef and friend to me. That void cannot be filled but his memory will liv on. God bless him and y’all.
I will never forget his smiling face when walking into Rotary. He once told a friend of mine who owned a restaurant that “If you aren’t in the restaurant everyday the food won’t taste as good.” No truer words have ever been spoken. It would not matter if it was a restaurant or a small manufacturing shop. It applies to many business owners in Rotary. I am so sorry for your loss……there will never be another like him and I will miss his presence.
Dear Marcia and Family,
The Baylor Scott & White Hospice team would like to extend to you our deepest sympathy. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I became a great Chef because of Geoffrey. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors in golf, BBQ, cooking and life. Geoffrey was my number one mentor. I love you Chef and Jesus loves you too. I know you and Gabby are feeding everyone some shrimp Gabrielle by now.
Marcia so sorry for your loss.God bless you and your family.We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
I was fortunate enough to be one of Geoffrey’s Irish crew in the WaterWorks. Geoffrey was a prefectionist when it came to cooking food and presenting food.I can well remember him hard at work behind the line making sure all his customers got first class food in a timely manner. We shared many a laugh on and off the clock. Geoffrey Michael helped shape me into the man I am today. It was the best working experience for me and the Irish crew to date. Slan le mo chara ☘️
Marcia, Sorry to hear of Geoffrey’s passing. You and yours are in our hearts and on our minds.
I am just heartbroken to learn of the passing of Chef Geoffrey Michael. I had the privilege of working with Chef Geoffrey in the late 80’s. Chef invited me to host his infomercial for his spices and legendary Dallas Cowboy Bob Lilly joined us for the show. But the real star was Chef Geoffrey who was as warm, funny and entertaining on camera as off!
He will be missed.
Prayers for his family and friends!
I was in that infomercial and it will always be a treasured memory. Geoffrey was a class act and a lovely friend to all.
Pam, I loved him and always will. He was an amazing man!
Chef was a amazing man i remembered meeting him for the first time at water works then I started working at HEB he would come in and stock his seasoning i got to know him a little better God had a great chef to make his dinner
Oh Marcia my heart goes out to you! Losses are hard but memories live on forever!
I am not doing BSF this year but I hope to see you there in 2021.
Just know I am praying for you and your family! You lost a great man!
Your sister in Christ
Janice Kriegel
I am so sorry for your loss. He was such a great guy and will be missed by so many. Praying for comfort in this trying time.
Marcia and family I’m so sorry to read this. What a great man he was! And Marcia how he loved to shop and buy gifts for you. I’ll always treasure the times I spent with him and each recipe shared is so special. Your hearts will always remember the good times you shared. My prayers are with you❣️
My friend.
I am praying for you Marcia and the entire family.
I have many quotes from Chef. Here’s one of my favorites. “Always serve…”.
Sweet Marcia,
I remember the first time I heard of Chef Geoffrey Michael and the Waterworks. He was truly an icon and superstar! Although I
didn’t know him very well, I know you and I know how much you loved this man. I know a little about his illness and how you walked beside him. I pray God will help you remember all the good things in your years with Geoffrey and help you get through each day. We love you, dear one! Rhonda and Ray Hanna
It isn’t often, but now and then, if he is really lucky, a man will meet and become the friend of someone he knows he will never forget. For me, that happened almost 50 years ago when I met Jeoffrey Michael. Today, I could write a book about the good times, the projects we were challenged to complete and the fun we shared together. I don’t know the words to write that would express just how much I admired, respected and loved this man and his dear family. I will miss my old friend. I already do.
Marcia,
So sorry to hear about Geoffrey. He fought a long battle. May he rest now in peace with no pain. My son Shane Owens, thought the world of him. They met when Shane worked at HEB. Shane now works at Central market in Dallas but sends his condolences. Prayers for you and your family.
Donna Owens
The Smokin’ Texas BBQ Team
Our condolences to the Michael family, Geoffrey was an awesome person, always had a smile on his face, the kindest personality that I have ever known. he will be greatly missed. Thank You Geoffrey for all of your inspiration and guidance.
Marcia,
It hurt so much when I heard the news of his passing. Please let us know if there is anything we can due for you.
He was a wonderful person and great neighbor. He is greatly missed.
Dear Marcia and Graham,
Geoffrey was one of the main people in my life’s journey. The time I worked with him at the Water Works is a fantastic period in my life! He was such a talented guy and loved life to the fullest! From ice carvings, oyster shucking and rattle snake hunts it was an adventure to know Geoffrey! Whenever we crossed paths in the years since he was always smiling and loving life. I know he loved you both so very much. At times he had such a hard road in life, but walked with God through it all with his head held high.
My best to you both! Ralph
Water Works Wednesdays and the best rehearsal dinner ever are among our most treasured memories thanks to Chef Geoffrey Michael. He was truly blessed to be a blessing. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
Marcia
So sorry for your loss Geoffrey was a good kind hearted man. He will be missed .
His spirit lives on its just the body that gone. And he will be waiting for you .
God bless.
Many fond remembrances from the Waterworks and the Brazos Queen. He was kind, gentle and gracious. I am grateful to have known him. Praying for God’s grace to give you strength, comfort and courage during this time of grief and sorrow.
LaNelle Gallant
Condolences and prayers for the Michael family. Geoffrey’s smile brightened the room and one always felt special and valued in his presence. Great memories of watching the Water Works come to fruition as well as times spent there with family or friends and rehearsal dinner on the Brazos Queen. Memories I treasure. It was always great to see Geoffrey about town over the years. We were blessed to have him in our lives. Geoffrey you are missed.
Condolences to Marcia and the Chef’s entire family. The thing I remember most about Chef Geof is that he was such a kind and gentle man. And a fantastic chef! The world has lost a most remarkable man. Rest in peace Geoffrey.
Dear Marcia and family – I met Geoffrey through his brother, Gordon, who thought Geoffrey and I would enjoy meeting (over text) which we did. We exchanged some cooking (his) and (frustrated) gardening tips. Our encounter was brief but certainly memorable because of his kindness and generosity. Gordon was right, he does have a great family.
Eight years working at the Waterworks left a treasure trove of amazing memories that remain with me all these years later. Geoffrey is one of the most favorite people in my life. Blessings to all who will miss him.
What an amazing life! I’m so thankful for Geoffrey and for the wonderful memories of the Water Works. Some of my earliest! He touched countless lives with his spirit and was extremely important to my family and so many others. He will be greatly missed. I am grateful he is with precious Gabby again!
Marcia, and Graham – so much love to you both. We are thinking of you all and have been praying for you. Praise God for Geoffrey’s wonderful life!
Chef Michaels was so willing to try new and peculiar things! He let me direct two plays for a dinner theater and was super supportive of the arts. Waterworks was my favorite fancy restaurant. Such fabulous memories
The Chef will be greatly missed. He was one of mine and Alma’s best friends, He called me “Poncho” and I called him “Lefty” (Willie Nelson-Merrill Haggard song that we liked) May he Rest in Peace, along with his beloved daughter Gabrielle. We will always have fond memories of “The Chef” anf “Gabbi”.