Alan Silverman, a titan of the hospitality industry, has passed away. The founder of Coffee Fest, the first and largest coffee and tea trade show in North America, as well as the popular Bite of Seattle, Silverman was inducted into the Washington Festivals & Events Association Hall of Fame earlier this year.

Remembers his daughter, Marni Silverman-Heilbrunn: “Alan Silverman, son, soldier, husband, father, grandfather, restaurateur and chef, businessman, gardener, patriot, entrepreneur, king of the jitterbug, ski buff and outdoorsman, intellectual, historian, writer, stubborn, feisty…A New Yorker who always speaks his mind, creator, determined, fashion and art aficionado, dedicated to those he loved, nurse, spiritual, leader, respected by all, annoyed by some—one hell of a man who we are so proud to call ‘Dad.’”

Family and friends are welcome to attend a celebration of life on December 29 at Glendale Country Club (13440 Main St, Bellevue, WA 98005) from 4–7 p.m. In lieu of gifts or flowers, donations to Alan’s charity of choice, Food Lifeline, are welcome.