It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Asokan Rasiah, chef and owner of the Peartree Restaurant, last weekend.
Asokan has been a fixture in our community for over 30 years. He enjoyed participating in all community events and had gained the respect of everyone in our neighbourhood.
Asokan first moved to St. James Town from Sri Lanka in 1988, and on just his second day in Canada, Asokan got a job as a dishwasher at a restaurant on Parliament St. One month later he became a line cook there. Within six months, his passion for cooking was ignited and he became a chef. He loved the energy of the kitchen.
Asokan worked as a head chef for several years until the restaurant’s owners decided they wanted to sell. Asokan didn’t hesitate to buy it, and in 1993–28 years ago–he opened Peartree Restaurant. He’d later go on to buy the building and others in Cabbagetown as well.
He was a hard working, kind and generous man.
Our sincere condolences go out to his family, friends and the entire Peartree family, many of whom have worked with him since opening day.
4 replies on “Asokan Rasiah”
This is such very sad news. I was last at Peartree, enjoying a solo
lunch on the patio in early autumn. Asokan kept popping back there to make sure I was OK – and threw in a complimentary
bottle of dry white, a big smile on his face.
Heartfelt condolences to Asokan’s family, friends, colleagues.
He’ll certainly be missed by his customers.
Sad news. He was always a friendly and decent person. He made Peartree part of the fabric of Cabbagetown. He will be missed.
I am sad and shocked to learn of Asokan Rasiah’s death. He always made his guests so welcome. The Pear Tree patio was home from home. I extend my deepest sympathy to his family. I am very, very sorry.
I am so sorry to hear this news. I first met Asokan when we worked together at Poor Williams Restaurant in the 80’s and then as a guest at his much beloved restaurant for almost 30 years.
I considered him to be a dear friend and will miss him greatly. He was a fine person and the world is less bright.
May god bless his soul and my condolences to his family.