[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 17 (Thursday, January 28, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E68]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





           CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF WILKES BASHFORD

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                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 28, 2016

  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, it is with great personal sadness that I 
rise to pay tribute to a legendary, beloved San Francisco figure, 
Wilkes Bashford, who died on January 16. His world-renowned 
establishment--the eponymous `Wilkes Bashford'--delighted San 
Franciscans and visitors alike for half a century.
  Wilkes Bashford was long celebrated as the man who gave San Francisco 
its elegance. His life's greatest pleasure was educating generations of 
customers about style and about giving back to the community.
  Wilkes Bashford paired his fashion success with civic leadership, 
serving as Board President of the San Francisco War Memorial and 
Performing Arts Center, home to San Francisco's Symphony, Opera, Ballet 
and Veterans Building. He guided the renovation of the spectacular 
Veterans Building and co-chaired the committee to create the new, 
permanent memorial to our nation's veterans in the courtyard.
  His philanthropic works included support for Partners Ending Domestic 
Abuse, the Museum of the African Diaspora and Muttville Senior Dog 
Rescue. Wilkes had a special love for dachshunds and always had one as 
his faithful companion.
  Wilkes arrived in San Francisco in 1959 and opened his original store 
in 1966. `Wilkes Bashford' became the focus of the San Francisco 
fashion world. His exquisite taste, vast knowledge of the retail 
industry and foresight in predicting emerging fashion trends gave his 
store an international reputation. He introduced designer labels long 
before others and helped launch fashion careers.
  His legendary Friday lunches at Le Central restaurant spanned forty 
years. Here Wilkes dined and conversed about politics and local goings-
on with good friends, Mayor Willie Brown, San Francisco Chronicle 
columnist Herb Caen, Matthew Kelly, Sandy Walker and Harry de Wildt. 
This long-time group of friends epitomized elegance, sophistication and 
charm. They enjoyed a special camaraderie and shared not only a love of 
the good life but a great passion for their city of San Francisco.
  Mayor Willie Brown called Wilkes Bashford part of the heart of the 
city. As we mourn Wilkes' passing, we remember his committed civic 
leadership, his career as a luxury clothier, and his life as a very 
well respected and gentle man. May it bring comfort to all who loved 
Wilkes that so many cherish his memory as a warm, loving, kind friend 
and employer--a quintessential gentleman.

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