Clifford Louis Abbey Obituary
Clifford Louis Abbey, age 66, of St. Helena, California, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2012, after a long battle with early onset Alzheimer's.
He is survived by his wife, Clare Luce Abbey of St. Helena, California, sister Jan Cagle of Eugene, Oregon, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Cliff was born December 10, 1945 in Santa Cruz, California and raised in Sweet Home, Oregon. He attended Oregon State University. After a brief career with the Van Heusen Company, he started "Sticky Fingers", a blue jean company, which he sold in the early 80's. Passionate about Northern Italian cuisine, he then opened Trattoria Contadina in San Francisco's North Beach, which quickly became a very popular hangout for all walks of San Francisco society. After several years, he returned to his original passion of designing and manufacturing blue jeans by starting San Francisco 415 Company with his wife. San Francisco 415 Company manufactured blue jeans and sportswear for several labels including Agnelli, Sutter's and Ivy Brown.
Cliff's passion for wine brought him to the Napa Valley on many occasions and in 1991, he and his wife purchased a hillside vineyard and home in St. Helena. After replanting and learning about viticulture for several years, and selling grapes to the industry, they began making Clare Luce Abbey Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, a very well received limited production which was ultimately sold in 2008.
A Memorial Service celebrating Cliff's life will be held on Saturday, January 21, at 3:30 at Grace Episcopal Church, 1314 Spring Street, St. Helena.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to Napa Valley Hospice, 414 South Jefferson Street, Napa, CA 94559.
Arrangements under the direction of Morrison Funeral Chapel, St. Helena, CA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
January 19, 2013
Mike Zucker
It was my fortune to know Cliff as a good friend and confident.He seam to care about everyone.He led a rich life and will be missed by everybody.I will never forget the 2 of us standing in a door jam in your house on the bay when an earthquake started,us looking at each other hoping it would stop.
January 17, 2013
Doug Burch
I was lucky enough to work at STICKY FINGERS with Cliff and the rest of the gang way back when, They let me design the logo for San Francisco Riding Gear and help open and manage their seconds store. I always felt like it was a family, more than a job. It was a blast to know him and learn from his business plan for running a company. So sorry to hear of his passing.
January 14, 2013
Robert Gordon
Clare....Cliff was a one in a million. His personality, and enthusiasm is only matched by the wonderful way he embraced others. I will always have fond memories of him. I am sorry for your loss....Robert Gordon
September 30, 2012
Michael Lopez
I am honored to have worked and played with Cliff and will miss him and remember him always.
September 12, 2012
Bill Whitlatch
I knew Clifford at Sweet Home High School, I am so sorry for
your loss. Clifford was quite a guy !
August 22, 2012
Spencer Alpert
Clare - this is the first I knew. Cliff was my hero, and I was most proud when he agreed to serve as godfather to my daugher Emma. Your picture of the elderly Italian lady with the cat hangs on my wall, and I remember your and Cliff's most amazing wedding as if it were yesterday. We sat with Jan and their mother, and she kept saying, "I can't believe Cliff is so lucky". You were both lucky - fortunate is a better word.
July 29, 2012
Susan Pullman-John
Claire
I am so sorry to learn about the passing of your husband.
This is Susan Pullman (East Woods),I know OMG.! Please look me up on FB.
I think of you so often. Again ,I am so sorry for your loss.
July 26, 2012
My good friend married very well. Clare was and is a gem. He lucked out with Clare who took such good care of him. I am a witness to her love and care throughout their marriage and especially when He got very ill. Tom Greerty
July 26, 2012
Tom Greerty
July 24, 2012
Edwin Knowles
Dear Clare, I met Cliff when he and Vince bought La Contadina and I worked for them as sort of a gopher on anything they needed. I remember Cliffs cool demeanor, wise business sense and list of accomplishments that he had already achieved by then. Even after all of these year I have often thought of that time with such fond memories. I'm glad that he finally did meet the right girl to settle down with and share his heart! He was like a rock star in those days to me, so wise in his travels and desire to succeed in anything he did. He bought a red wagon that I would ride down the hill to the bakery to get bread daily. Such fun. Thanks Cliff you helped me in more ways than you will ever know.
March 17, 2012
Tom Greerty
Cliff and I were very good friends for almost 50 yrs. We met in college and got along immediately. In Corvallis we lived at 2 different places together:The Mansion, and The Alamo, two Oregon State classics. Later, we lived together in Sausalito and Mill Valley. In all those years, we never had a cross word. I enjoyed his company enormously. His mind always sought the universal, while living in the particular, which for Cliff, was interpreted through his sense of being Italian. I first noticed this when we were in college together and he had to make the pasta every Sunday. There would be pots and pans everywhere and hungry football players enjoying a family-like atmosphere. Cliff was very habitual. He loved being healthy, eating natural and living the good life. He is, without a doubt, one of the most charming, handsome good guys I have ever met. I will miss him and our lively conversations, which not only cut to the chase, but ranged all over the world, from food to geography to politics. He believed in me and I in him. Our friendship made me a better person, no doubt.
Tom Greerty
March 2, 2012
clare aden
i am so sorry you all, we send are best cc and alexander aden/ howe
February 28, 2012
Dianne Christman
Dear Clare - I didn't know until today of Cliff's passing. As I have shared with you, Cliff held an extremely important role in the lives of The Christmans and was truly loved by all of us. I will, forever, hold on to the precious memories of the times I shared with Cliff. Thank you so much for the weekend that I got to spend with you two in St. Helena a few years back and am so saddened to learn of Cliff's passing. Extending my heartfelt and deepest sympathy to you and your families during this very difficult time. Dianne Christman
February 20, 2012
Dear Clare, I am sorry...The last few years could not have been easy for you. Working at SF415 was like being with family everyday and that is because of the love you shared together. Know that I still have fond memories and wish you peace. Always,
Monica Burke
February 17, 2012
annette osnos
Dear Clare- I was so sorry to hear about Cliff dying and send you my sympathy. I know this has been a long struggle but I also know you and Cliff had an amazing life together. I hope those memories are what remain strongest.
Love, annette osnos
February 1, 2012
Steven Warren
Dear Clare,
I'm sorry to have just learned of Cliff"s passing. He was the ultimate "fun guy", whether in work or play. We had fun running the streets of San Francisco back in the 70's. I'm happy you two had so many great years together & wished we had kept in touch. He was a classy Oregon boy... one of a kind. Best wishes.
January 30, 2012
Claire,
I never met you, but I knew Clifford in high school, and we attended Oregon State University together. He was always full of fun, and I remember him with fondness. It sounds like he had a productive, interesting life. Jennifer Parker Westerman
January 28, 2012
Tina Nelson
Dearest Clare,
Mom, Dad and I send you our best and our deepest sympathy.
We are in touch with your mother and wish we could visit with everyone out here- sadly not.
all our love,
Tina, Ann and Graham Platt
January 26, 2012
Cliff - The “sweetest” guy raised in “Sweet” Home, Oregon. Boy does that fit ... and, I bet you were Sweet Home's sweetheart. I knew you briefly back in the days of San Francisco, prior to and during the time when you had your restaurant, The Trattoria Contadina. Your sweet smile would light up a room. You were such a classy gorgeous guy. I remember you had an affinity for the Godfather movie. I remember when you would drive into town in that fancy deep green sports car with the Oregon license plate, many times returning from Italy and travels, and it felt to me as if a celebrity had just arrived in town. I feel very, very saddened to hear of the last years of your life and what had taken place with your health. I am so shocked to learn of this, as I had left the San Francisco area several years ago. This truly breaks my heart and my deepest sympathy goes out to Clare and to all of your family and friends and to everyone who knew you and loved you.
May you now rest in peace.
Marialena Castorina
San Mateo, California
January 25, 2012
Clare, Cliff's passing leaves me missing his infectous smile and sly sense of humor. We met on the golf course and I last saw him with a glass of wine in his hand, fitting memories of a great guy. Love, Jamie Townsend
January 24, 2012
Susan Petiti
Dear Clare, So sorry to hear of Cliff's passing. I will never forget all the wonderful times we shared working together at Agnelli. You and Cliff were always so kind to me and my family. I will keep you in my prayers. Love, Sue and the boys
January 23, 2012
amy nelson
Dear Claire,,i just learned of cliff's passing away,,,im so very sorry claire for your loss,,how tragic for you and your family.Lisa always told me what a wonderful man cliff was...and she loved him so much.I will call you soon,,need your number from christie..all our love,,Amy,Daryl,Peter,Henry and Jack Nelson
January 21, 2012
jerry laney
I just received the message about Cliff this morning.Back when Cliff was in the jeans business,I ran in to Clare and Cliff in the Fairmont bar in NYC and had drinks with them.I always enjoyed seeing Cliff at his North Beach restaurant.He will be truly missed and we won't forget him.Best wishes to Clare.Jerry Laney
January 20, 2012
cliff met you many years pass through your aunt Millie. Helped you out with phone troubles at your apt and places of business. You were always kind and present in our friendship. Lost touch with you long time ago. Missed you and when you came into my mind I loss out on making contact with you. Thanks for always being a kind soul. Your friendship will be missed even more now. Peace my dear friend. Siempre tu amigo. Richard t. Maestas
January 19, 2012
Stuart (tuc) & Robin Webb
You have been and will be this Saturday in our thoughts and prayers,
Lots of love,
January 18, 2012
A neighbor
Clifford and so many others lose life at such a young age. The bible explains why we lose loved ones and how that will be corrected in the future. May you find comfort knowing tears and suffering will not always be.
January 18, 2012
Dear Abbey Family,
My family and I would like to send to you our condolences'. These times could be expressed as difficult times hard to deal with but, if you draw close to our heavenly Father he will draw close to you (James 4:8) and he himself will sustain you.
Draw comfort from him and he will be there for you.
May peace, comfort and love be increased to the entire family
January 16, 2012
Whether it was working together in the clothing business, numerous vacations spent in Negril or celebrating the "Godfather" movies at dinner at Tratoria Contadina, Cliff was The Man. Oh, the stories! He was one of the nicest, most knowledgable people I have ever known and we will miss him dearly.
Michael and Robin Cohen
January 14, 2012
Joe Fusco
Everything about Cliff, from his marriage to his business acumen to Trattoria Contadina, to his exceptional Cabernet wine to his home in St. Helena, was first class. This was a guy who typified California itself - a place to live your dreams. That's what Cliff did, and I was fortunate to know him for his all-too-brief time here.
January 13, 2012
To Clifford's family & friends. Our 3 daughters wore Clifford's San Francisco Jeans in his hometown of Sweet Home, OR. Cliff & I were 1 year apart in school and became friends in our small school. We are proud of Clifford's accomplishments and are so sorry he had to deal with the disease of Alzheimer's. Del & Cheri are our good friends and have kept us updated over the years. Our memories of Cliff are all good & fun - dances, school days, he was so "cool", friendly, handsome, gq style. Our thoughts are with you - his friends & loved ones. Jim and Coreen Melcher
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