As a culinary artist, Channing Peter Boyer, 47, enjoyed creating recipes and menus, passing them to others to replicate, then trying something different. “He was really gifted,” said his mother, Mary Ellis Sebstad. Mr. Boyer, who worked in well-known restaurants in the Chicago area and Wisconsin, died of cancer Sunday, Feb. 8, in his mother’s home in Inverness. He was born in Menominee, Mich., and spent part of his youth living in Winnetka, where he attended New Trier East High School and worked in restaurants during the summer. He graduated from Menominee High School in 1975. Between his junior and senior years at Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, Mr. Boyer got a summer job at Arnie’s North restaurant in Highland Park and was quickly promoted to head chef. After about three years, he moved to another restaurant to learn French fare. Mr. Boyer married his wife, Pamela, in 1984, and the couple owned and ran their own restaurant in Racine, Wis., for several years. Until he became too ill last year, he worked as executive chef for Marian College of Fond du Lac, Wis., where he trained others and oversaw its kitchens. He was a resident of Oshkosh, Wis. “He was just a funny person,” his mother said. “When he came into a room, you would know he was there because everyone would gather around.” Other survivors include three brothers, Brendan Sebstad, Bradley and Joe Jr.; and four sisters, Cynthia Burns, Jennefer Sebstad, Susan Quinn and Michelle. Visitation and a memorial service will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday in Ahlgrim & Sons Funeral Home, 201 N. Northwest Highway, Palatine.
