In memory of Chef Mike Prout
Mike Prout, who co-founded what has become one of St. John’s most popular restaurants, died from an accidental fall at his home Thursday.
Mike leaves behind his four year old son, Parker, and wife Megan, who is due with their second child this fall.
Mike, and partners Jason Howard and Jonathan Fritz opened La Plancha del Mar in January 2009 at The Marketplace, and recently relocated to Mongoose Junction.
Our condolences to Mike’s family, and to friends and partners Jonathan and Jason, through whom we hope Mike’s talent and creativity will live on.
July 10th, 2011 06:42
we we’re so sad to hear the news of Mike’s passing. i hope that Megan and Parker will use the strength of there friends and family to get through this very difficult time. our thought are with you. from everyone at Freebird and St. John Yacht Club
July 10th, 2011 07:49
OMG so so tragic…RIP love to his family
July 10th, 2011 08:19
A young man taken way too early. Our deepest condolences are sent to his family, partners, and friends.
July 10th, 2011 08:23
Very sad for Mike’s family and his La Plancha family and the St. John Community. Sincere condolences.
July 10th, 2011 08:33
Words fail me….he and Jason and Jonathan built a fabulous business. The 3 of them created magic. I so enjoyed sitting at the black sand bar and chatting with them. Great young men. Condolences to Megan and the boys.
July 10th, 2011 10:12
It is so sad when a loss is felt no matter what age. Death may end a life but not a relationship. Megan and the family will make sure that Parker and his little sibling on the way remember and know their dad for the wonderful man he is.
Gods speed and my condolences
July 10th, 2011 10:29
I am so so sorry. What a horrible accident. Many prayers being sent their way.
July 10th, 2011 12:01
there are no words- but I know there are so many people on and off island thinking about his family, friends and colleagues during this awful time. Sending prayers.
July 10th, 2011 14:06
Our prayers are with Megan and Parker, and the rest of Mike’s family along with his partners Jonathan and Jason. Mike created special places since coming to STJ that were more than just great food. He’ll be missed by many.
July 10th, 2011 15:04
I am so sorry for the loss of this young man; caring thoughts of comfort and peace are sent to those who knew him, loved him, and will miss him.
July 10th, 2011 17:57
That is sad news …
July 10th, 2011 18:00
I never met Mike but am friends with his parents in Ohio. My heart breaks for them and for Megan and Parker. I pray they all can find solace and their faith,family and friends will help them along the way. What a tragedy! God be with you all and with Jonathan and Jason too. We’ve heard so many good things about you. I pray you too can find peace and continue to do what you love and what Mike loved.
July 10th, 2011 18:54
We’re so sorry…
July 11th, 2011 07:20
Q and I send our thoughts and prayers to Mike’s wife, son and family. May the strength and love of family and friends carry Megan and Parker through this difficult time.
July 11th, 2011 08:32
In our visits to STJ it’s so evident the love Mike had for the community, and the community’s love for Mike. My hope is that the extended family and friends feel that love and it helps to lift us all. Megan and Parker will need our support most of all.
July 11th, 2011 09:55
I have no other words than my sincere condolences to his family and friends. It is heartwarming to know that the STJ community will be there to support Megan, Parker, and expected through this tragedy. I know the extended STJ community (those of us whose hearts are there, but live elsewhere) will do anything we can to help also.
July 11th, 2011 14:00
My sincere condolences to Mike’s family and co-workers. We all loved Mike
July 11th, 2011 14:07
I had the chance to know Mike and words fail me now at the tragic news. He was a great person and I know that his laughter and presence will be missed. This is another case of ” gone too soon”. My sincere condolences to Megan, Jonathan and Jason. May you be filled with light and love to help you guys through this difficult time.
July 11th, 2011 14:15
My wife and I had the great pleasure to spend some time on our last visit to STJ in June with Mike at La Plancha after our dinner service. He was truly a wonderful person full of passion for the things that he seemed to hold dear to heart: his family and his work. We are both heartbroken from this tragedy and send our thoughts and prayers to Megan, Parker and the rest of Mike’s family. Although we only had the opportunity to visit with him one evening, he was an inspiration to us both.
July 11th, 2011 15:41
My deepest condolences go to all who knew and loved Mike. I pray that they will find strength and support from those around them and those of us in spirit. So sorry for your loss.
July 11th, 2011 20:48
Our sympathy and prayers to the entire Prout Family. We love you all. Mike will be missed. What a talented guy!
July 11th, 2011 21:12
That just sucks….
July 12th, 2011 07:16
I’m at a loss for words at this tragedy. I can only imagine the sense of loss that those close to him must be experiencing. I hope that time will heal their pain, and that the fond memories of his passion for life and for his work will replace the pain of his untimely passing.
July 12th, 2011 09:21
“He shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary him, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember him.”
July 12th, 2011 21:41
This is Mike’s little sister Mandi. Thank you all for sending your love, thoughts, and prayers to Megan, Parker, and the baby.
July 12th, 2011 21:45
I cannot get the image out of my mind of Mike working so hard last July in the Marketplace location. My wife and I remarked to each other then how he was able to take each order from his partner and turn it into a meal right before our eyes. He was unbelievably talented and such a hard worker. Deepest sympathies to his wife, children, other family members, partners and friends. RIP Mike.
July 12th, 2011 22:28
I am so sorry for this loss and am keeping the family in my prayers.
July 13th, 2011 12:58
I wish I was as good at my job and liked it as much as Mike did. He always took time to come to our table and ask us how everything was at La Plancha. He talked about his family and items on the menu (both of which he cared deeply about). I literally dream about some of the meals we ate there. A wonderful, talented and careing man. We are very sorry for your loss.
July 13th, 2011 20:55
The St. John Mommies continue to mourn for the loss of another great dad on island and are so sad for his beautiful, smart and exceptionally talented wife that he left behind. But we know that God has a plan for Megan and her children. And I am so glad to have known her and called her friend on St. John. Megan – you are part of us and we miss you but will send great waves of love to wherever you hang your hat.
July 14th, 2011 08:19
This is a tragic loss. I can’t help but wonder what caused it. Sometimes when you work so hard and so much careless accidents can happen. Mike always seemed like he was a very hard worker under a lot of pressure. The restaurant business is not easy. I feel he was working insanely long hours. Hope this can serve as a message to others in some way. My condolences to the entire family.
July 14th, 2011 10:28
Very sad, my heart aches for his family. I don’t know what to say, but you will be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.
July 14th, 2011 19:27
It is impossible for me to imagine how painful this past week has been for Mike’s family, partners, friends and staff. I continue to think of you all every day and wish you strength and peace as you heal.
- Ruth
July 14th, 2011 19:33
We were lucky enough to dine at La Plancha a few weeks ago and visit with Mike. He was so full of life and so proud of his family and restaurant. Such a tragedy. We hope his family will find comfort knowing that so many people cared about Mike. So sorry for your loss.
October 22nd, 2011 07:05
To the entire Prout family,
I just recently heard the terrible news of Mike’s passing. I don’t know what to say. Mike was a great guy, and my memories with him on Firelands Challenge will always be great ones. May God bless you all, and may your memories of him sustain you in this time. You will definitely be in my prayers.