- Date Of Birth: June 7, 1981
- Date Of Death: October 2, 2021
- State: Colorado
Michael “Mike” Trimmer, age 40, died unexpectedly on October 2, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado.
Mike was born June 7, 1981, in Aurora, Colorado. He is survived by his parents Roger and Beth Trimmer, and his brother Dan. He had a large extended family across the country, primarily in Ohio, including his maternal grandparents.
Mike grew up in Aurora and attended Cherry Creek Schools. He was always a top student and well liked by his teachers. He played Little League and was a great second baseman. He collected baseball cards like his dad, and learned a lot of math skills in the process while computing statistics.
The family traveled a lot as he was growing up, particularly throughout Colorado and the Southwest. An annual event was a long weekend at The Great Sand Dunes near Alamosa, which included climbing the dunes with his brother, and either sledding, sliding or just rolling back down the dune.
He graduated from Smoky Hill High School and the International Baccalaureate program in 1999. Mike went on to attend the University of Colorado and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy in 2003.
So what do you do with a degree in philosophy? Become a chef!
Mike worked his way “up the ranks” as line cook, sous chef, chef de cuisine, to executive chef. His first restaurant job was during college at Old Chicago where he “just assembled ingredients” (his words). He moved on to “fine dining” at Bloom in Flatiron Crossing, and The Mediterranean and Brasserie Ten Ten in Boulder. He was working at Carelli’s in Boulder at the time of his death. Mike had several mentors along the way who were crucial in facilitating his skill development and his journey to executive chef.
Mike really found his niche at Brasserie Ten Ten where he worked as executive chef for a period of time. He was able to express his creativity through the dishes and menus he developed, as well as learn the management skills needed to run a successful kitchen. He was inspired by a variety of cuisines, and had a penchant for spicy foods.
Outside of work, Mike was an avid reader. He had a passion for music and film. He played trumpet in a Ska band in high school. Attending concerts in Boulder and Denver with friends was his primary source of entertainment; he also “took to the road” as far as Seattle and New York City to hear favorite bands. One year he attended Coachella in California. He had an extensive vinyl record collection.
Mike will be sorely missed by his family, many friends, and coworkers.
