‘Remarkable man’: Renowned top chef dies suddenly overseas

An award-winning chef is being remembered as “the kind of person you meet once in a lifetime” after he died suddenly while overseas.

Loving tributes have began to pour in for an highly-regarded Australian chef who died suddenly while in Singapore.

Perth grandfather and award-winning top chef Patrick O’Brien died in Singapore on Sunday.

“Patrick gave his heart and soul to the industry, inspiring chefs across the globe with his kindness, mentorship, and passion,” Karen Doyle of the Australian Culinary Federation wrote.

“Let us now come together to honour him one last time, ensuring his family has the support they need.”

Patrick O'Brien taught chefs for decades. Picture: Australian Culinary Federation

A tribute written by the federation says Mr O’Brien was trained in Ireland and worked in renowned restaurants before settling in Australia.

“Patrick was the kind of person you only meet once in a lifetime,” a friend wrote online.

“He was a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration. Working alongside him was a privilege, but it was his friendship that I valued most. Patrick’s generosity of spirit, his humour, and his ability to lift those around him will never be forgotten. I’ll miss him dearly.”

Mr O’Brien was awarded an Order of Australia medal in 2023 for his services to the hospitality industry.

He spent 18 years teaching at a tertiary institute in Perth, leading 87 staff “building a program that shaped future food service professionals and set a benchmark for excellence”.

He guided young chefs to gold medals at the Culinary Olympics and international competitions across the world.

While teaching and mentoring, at various times he was WA president and a national board member of the Australian Culinary Federation, a master craftsman with the Catering Institute of Australia, and Worldchefs grade A judge.

“I love what I do because I get to make a difference to young people’s lives. Encouraging them to be the best they can possibly be,” he said when receiving the Order of Australia medal.

Patrick O'Brien led a large TAFE department in Perth’s northern suburbs. s

Following his sudden death overseas, the chef’s family are now fundraising to return his body to Australia and have raised nearly $30,000 over two days.

“Our beloved friend, mentor, and culinary icon, Patrick O’Brien OAM, has touched the lives of countless chefs and young professionals,” Ms Doyle says in the fundraiser.

“Now, as a community, it’s our turn to support Patrick’s family—his cherished wife, Rose, their children, and grandchildren during this incredibly difficult time.”

Funds raised will go getting his body home and “the farewell he so deeply deserves”.

“Thank you for your generosity and for standing with us to celebrate and honour the life of a remarkable man.”

Originally published as ‘Remarkable man’: Renowned top chef dies suddenly overseas