Scots College – Learning. For Life.

The Dominion Post has reported the death of Jim Burkhalter (1972) in a motorcycle accident on the Paekakariki Hill Road.

The death of a vivacious Kapiti chef who won a battle against cancer and lived life "for today not tomorrow" has left his wife, two young children and the local restaurant community shocked and saddened.

James Burkhalter, 58, died riding his beloved Suzuki GS 1000 motorbike, when he came round a corner and crashed into a car turning into a driveway on Paekakariki Hill Rd about 3.30pm on January 10.

Mr Burkhalter and his wife of two years, Simone, 39, have sons aged 1 and 2, and he has two daughters, aged 28 and 30, from a previous marriage.

Mrs Burkhalter described her husband as a devoted father and a "very colourful character" who would be greatly missed.

Battling and surviving cancer when he was about 30 had contributed to his positive attitude to life, she said.

"That really made him realise life is for living. From then on he decided to enjoy every day. He lived for today, not tomorrow. We will miss him so much."

Spending as much time as possible with his young family, his other passion was riding his motorbike and he loved hosting dinner parties and going on trips.

He rode the same route over the Paekakariki Hill for relaxation three or four times a week before he started work.

Mr Burkhalter, a chef originally from Switzerland, established the restaurant at the Southward complex in about 1980 and after a couple of trips back to Switzerland and Scotland took over Rumours Restaurant in Waikanae a couple of years ago, renaming it Aroma.

Specialising in French cuisine with a traditional Kiwi flair, he took great pride in being innovative with European dishes.

Close friend Caroline Gill said, "He was so full of life, Jimmy is irreplaceable. He made friends with everyone."

Former Rumours Restaurant owner Simon Wislang said the local restaurant community was shocked and saddened by Mr Burkhalter's sudden death.

"He had high standards and beautiful food. It is a real shame such a great chef is not with us any more. He had a lot of energy, was very bouncy and positive, a good sort."

His funeral will be at the Otaihanga Boating Club on Friday at 3pm.

The police Serious Crash Unit is investigating the accident.