Remembering the Remarkable Kim Ricketts

We at Eater didn't know Kim Ricketts personally, but spent plenty of time in her midst attending her various "cooks and books" soirees. And like everyone who knew Kim or ever entered her orbit, we were saddened to hear that she passed away yesterday.

Ricketts, previously events coordinator at the University Book Store, founded her own company, Kim Ricketts Book Events, in 2003. In the past six months alone she brought literate, food-loving Seattleites in contact with Grant Achatz, Rene Redzepi, and Gabrielle Hamilton. Ricketts was also a prolific Twitter member, engaging just about anyone in conversations about motherhood, education, and of course food and literature.

And so it seems entirely appropriate that Twitter was flooded last night with messages and memories from those who knew Kim, or simply knew of her and her many contributions to the community. Local food writer Rebekah Denn offered a perfect 140-character tribute: "What a debt we all owe @kimricketts. How to repay it? Love your children. Love books. Bring people together. Think big. Anything more?"

Anyone wanting to learn more about Kim, or remember her boundless energy, should read this 2007 Seattle PI interview and Leslie Kelly's tribute on Seattle Weekly.
· @RebekahDenn [Twitter]
· Fall Arts: Five questions for Kim Ricketts [Seattle PI]
· Kim Ricketts: A Remembrance [Seattle Weekly]
[Photo via Facebook]