Skyler was born with a passion for cooking and was beginning his career as chef. He embraced the creative side of cooking and loved making dishes for friends and family. Above all, he valued the relationships he built in the kitchen and often talked fondly of his colleagues.

Skyler unfortunately was not immune to the pressures and stresses experienced working in a kitchen. Factors such as long days with irregular sleep patterns, high stress, and the social isolation can negatively impact many in the restaurant industry. Additionally, Covid-19 has created a high degree of career uncertainty. In Sky’s instance these factors exacerbated mental health concerns, with which he was already silently struggling. We are devastated that due to these factors he is no longer with us.

The well being of others was something near to Skyler's heart and although mental health is a universal topic, he both personally experienced and observed challenges within the culinary industry. Unfortunately, a charity or other avenue was not able to be identified which already provides focus in this area and so, as Sky's family, we are endeavoring to set up a fund to support the mental health of those in the culinary field with the hopes of preventing similar tragedy.

They ask that if in lieu of gifts or flowers that you contribute to this fund.



Edit to update: gofundme has requested that the flow of funds be better outlined. The funds are being allocated to me, Nina Wallinder, Skyler's mother, and will be withdrawn into an account in my name. From there, acting on behalf of our family in Skyler's memory, I will designate the funds you generously donated to an initiative or initiatives in support of mental health in the culinary field. A scholarship in Skyler's name is also being considered, although no decisions have been made at this point.
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