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Paris, 17 September, 2024 – The Worldchefs community mourns the passing of Chef Hilmar Bragi Jónsson, AAC, who passed away this week at the age of 81.
Veitingageirinn.is published a heartfelt tribute, sharing the rich story of Himar’s life and stating that “one of our most admired chefs has passed away.”
Hilmar had been hospitalized since the 3rd of August due to complications from a heart infection, which was connected to a heart operation he underwent 25 years ago. While the treatments initially showed promise, his heart ultimately gave out.
Chef Hilmar’s culinary legacy is deeply etched in Icelandic history. He was one of Iceland’s best-known chefs and played an instrumental role in advancing the nation’s culinary arts on the global stage. Born in Ísafjörður in 1942, Hilmar led a distinguished career spanning over five decades. Among his many achievements, he was a founding member of the Icelandic Chefs’ Association, Klúbbs Matreiðslumeister, in 1972.
Hilmar served as the official chef to President Vigdís Finnbogadóttir for 12 years, managing public events and accompanying her on international travels. He served as a traveling chef for the Icelandic Tourist and Export Board for 20 years. addition, he founded Iceland’s Cooking School and was part of Iceland’s first national chef team to compete internationally, where Iceland won gold and silver.
Hilmar traveled to 54 countries throughout his global career, and served as Vice President of the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (Worldchefs) from 2008 to 2013. He was awarded as a Worldchefs Honorary Lifetime Judge in 2022.
If you could sum up what your profession means to you in one word, what would it be?
“Miracle.”
Chef Hilmar Jónsson
Chef Hilmar also worked as a corporate chef for Icelandic Seafood USA for 22 years and is known as one of the main advocates for Icelandic fish in the US. His work took him to every state in the US (except Alaska, he would remind), sharing his expertise through seafood seminars and as a Worldchefs Certified International Judge.
Hilmar had been residing in Torrevieja, Spain, since 2018. He is survived by his two children.
Worldchefs President Thomas A. Gugler expresses his deepest condolences to Hilmar’s family and friends, stating: “Hilmar was a force in our community, a true culinary artist, and his legacy will live on. Our thoughts go out to all who knew and loved him during this difficult time.”
The culinary world has lost one of its greats, but Chef Hilmar Bragi Jónsson’s contributions will continue to inspire future generations.
To read more about Chef Hilmar, read our interview with him in Issue 28 of Worldchefs Magazine, Always Do It with Passion.
