Albert Moser born Oct 22,1952 passed away peacefully at age 70 on May 20, 2023 after a brave battle with cancer. Albert’s Swiss upbringing instilled a deep passion for food, wine, and a thirst for adventure. It was this combination that shaped his remarkable life.
Albert grew up in Chur, Switzerland with his sister (Hella Storz), brother (Walter Moser) and parents (Dorathe and Heinrich Moser). Albert began his culinary journey at the age of 15 in an apprenticeship at Hotel Valsana in Arosa, Switzerland. He furthered his studies at Swiss Hotel School in Belvoirpark Zurich and completed his training to be a Hotelier at EHL Hotel Management School in Lausanne. At the time, Albert was the youngest student to graduate from this coveted European school. He always wanted to work abroad, ideally in a location different from the mountains where he grew up. In 1975, Mr. Ivor Petrak Regional VP from C.P. Hotels, was recruiting at the Canadian Embassy in Bern and offered Albert a position as Assistant Food and Beverage Manager along with a landed immigrant status. Despite Banff looking a lot like Arosa, Albert accepted the position at the famous Banff Springs Hotel, unbeknownst to him planting the seeds for his future in this mountain town. Albert then worked a year at Ticino’s, before returning to Arosa as VP of Hotel Valsana. It was in Arosa where Esther first met Albert when she fixed the strings of his tennis racket.
In 1980 at the age of 27 another opportunity arose, this time with his best friend George Schwarz. Together they established “Restaurant Le Beaujolais” cementing Albert’s life and legacy in Banff. In 1982, Esther was traveling through Banff and a romance was struck. They married in 1985 and together created cherished memories of exquisite cuisine and enchanting ambiance on the corner of Banff Avenue and Buffalo.
In 2017, after 36 years of ownership they sold the restaurant and were ready for the next stage of life, retirement. Within a week while Esther was vacationing, Albert made a deal with long-time friends and neighbours, the Christou Family. They launched back into the workforce opening “The Beaujolais Boutique Bed & Breakfast” at Thea’s House! Albert’s lifelong love of hosting and cooking were perfectly blended with the coziness of the B&B. He took great pride in the B&B and insisted on overseeing the office until his final days.
Albert’s adventurous spirit knew no bounds as he traveled to all corners of the world. From scaling towering summits to embarking on epic road trips to exploring the vast plains of Africa, he sought the thrill of discovery and the beauty of nature. Some of his notable conquests included the summit of Island Peak in Nepal, Dhaulagiri circuit (on a broken foot), and reaching the base camp of K2.
Beyond his culinary and exploration endeavours, Albert took immense pride in his three children, Fabienne, Alexandra, and Sandro. He nurtured their passions by founding the Banff Gymnastics Club, as well as spending countless hours on the ski slopes and ice rinks. Albert’s love and support were unwavering, and he took great joy and fulfillment in witnessing his children flourish.
In honour of Albert’s remarkable life, we invite you to raise a glass of red wine, savour a Jack and Coke, and enjoy the paradise we call home! Albert Moser will forever be remembered as an extraordinary chef, a “tough but fair boss”, an intrepid explorer, a loving husband and father, and a man whose vibrant spirit enriched the lives of those around him. May his legacy inspire us to embrace adventure, appreciate fine cuisine, and cherish the precious moments with our loved ones. Rest in peace, Albert, as you embark on your next adventure.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the Mineral Springs Hospital staff and all the physicians involved in Albert’s care.
In lieu of flowers we would ask you to consider donating blood or towards a prostate cancer initiative.
