Chef Morgan – A Fond Farewell to Our Foodie

14 May 2023Jensa NG, Mack ‘23

A true foodie at heart, when asked “If you had only one word to describe yourself, what would it be?” Chef Morgan Milward answered eagerly “Hungry!”

For the past eight years, Brentwood has had the privilege of – to say it how it is – pilling our mouths full to the brim with delicious meals planned, prepped, and presented by Mr Milward, known to the student body as Chef Morgan.

British Columbia is home to eight of Canada’s most prestigious world-renowned, Michelin-star restaurants, ranging from alcohol-free bars to contemporary cuisine. In short, BC has some great chefs and some great food. Born and raised in the Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, the winner of “People’s Choice Chef of the Year for Vancouver Island”, is Chef Morgan.

After graduating from high school, Chef Morgan made his way to Camosun College in Victoria. After his time there, he was employed at the Aerie on the Malahat, well known by inhabitants of the Cowichan Valley as the “honeymoon place.” The parking lot, often full of Porsches and BMWs, foreshadows the posh, brilliant interior of the Aerie. “Building upon the German heritage of our executive chefs and their extensive culinary experience and training throughout Europe, our cuisine eloquently infuses traditional ingredients and preparation methods from the Alpine regions of Italy, Germany, France, and Switzerland” states the Villa’s website.

Speaking of Europe, that is where Chef Morgan spent his next few years. On every teenage girl’s bucket list, the Greek island of Skiathos is not only home to beautiful views, and breathtaking architecture, but also to mouthwatering cuisine. The Hilton in Whistler, was Chef Morgan’s last stop before planting roots in the Cowichan Valley once again, this time, with his wife and son.

Described by his peers in the kitchen as a” kind and gentle leader” – “who is also very handsome” – observed the puckish Insuk – it is easy to say he will be missed around campus. Many members of the Food Services team worked alongside him for half a decade and had nothing but shining reviews of him as a leader, chef, and friend. Tom Shadlock, Director of Operations described his friend of eight years as a creative and happy soul, and described his incredible sense of humility, despite his numerous awards and accolades.

Morgan admitted that his favourite things about Brentwood as a whole were “the community, the ocean, Food Services, and the food!” On broader terms, two things the award-winning chef could not live without – “Charcuterie and Cheese” – brilliant.

In his spare time, Mr Milward “loves to mountain bike and is looking forward to exploring his new home” as his family picks up their life and flies across the country to settle down in Ontario. After eight years of service to the Brentwood community, the school is sad to see him go. We thank him for all his efforts to keep the student body happy, healthy, and well-fed, and we wish him all the best in Ontario!

Jensa NG, Mack ‘23

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