RIP Gayl Bertagni of the Swiss
Gayl Bertagni, co-owner of The Swiss, was killed in a tragic accident on Friday night. She was one of three people that purchased and renovated the building back in 1993 – before the transformation of that neighborhood by UWT. The Swiss has been one of our regular to semi-regular hangouts for years – particular during our times at UWT – and we call many Swiss employees our neighbors. Our thoughts are with all of you.
Link to The News Tribune
Update
We received an email over the weekend with the following information:
The Swiss pub will be closed through Sunday, May 31st, reopening for business on Monday, June 1st.
The celebration of Gayl Bertagni’s life will continue on Saturday, May 30th beginning at 3:00 pm at The Swiss Pub, 1904 South Jefferson. The Swiss is expecting quite a bit of turnout, and while they will be providing some food for the guests, would also like to request that you please bring a dish that you would have enjoyed sharing with Gayl.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Emergency Food Network and support your local farmers.
Please feel free to share your memories of Gayl and her time at the Swiss.
Filed under: General
2 comments
U uoaaa181 May 25, 2009
Was so sorry to hear this. I didn’t talk to her much but she was very nice the few times we did. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and staff.
J John Hodgson May 27, 2009
This news comes as a total shock to me and my family. Gayl was a very important person in our lives. She gave me a job at The Swiss as their janitor and i worked off and on for The Swiss for 7 years. Now I am a Supervisor for Environmental services at a local hospital. I dought I would be where I am today if not for her loving guidance. I would bring my children with me when I cleaned at The Hotel and she would spoil them rotten. My daughter was deeply saddened by her passing and commented that Gayl made the best Rootbeer floats ever. When my wife and i opened a coffee shop, it was Gayl’s sage advice that fueled us on. when that business ended, gayl gave me a job. She truly was a mother to many. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bianca and her family.