About 80 friends, colleagues, and family members gathered at Atascadero Lake Park in Atascadero, California, on Sunday, Aug. 2, to celebrate the lives of Clement and Sue Salvadori. They passed away earlier this year (read our obituary for Clem, as he was known to friends).
Clement and Sue had lived in Atascadero for many years, in a house that Sue had largely built herself. Their home, which was filled with an enormous collection of books as well as cats, artwork, and motorcycles, was often a gathering place for friends and fellow travelers passing through.
The celebration of life took place under a shaded canopy of oak trees on a hot afternoon, with guests sitting in folding chairs while enjoying snacks and beverages. Front and center was Clem’s Kermit chair with “Rider Magazine” stitched on it, along with his trademark beret, a motorcycle helmet, and a framed photo of Clem and Sue. Nearby was Clem’s 2006 Triumph T100 Bonneville, which he ran in the Run Watcha Brung class at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 2010. Photos of Clem and Sue, as well as several of Clem’s books, were on display.
Next to the platters of sandwiches and bowls of pasta salad on the picnic pavilion’s table were various bottles of wine, including the last of Clem’s personal stash of Two Buck Chuck (Charles Shaw merlot that Trader Joe’s used to sell for $1.99 a bottle; Clem was not pleased when the price went up to $2.99 a few years ago).
The event was emceed by Tod Rafferty, author of many motorcycle books, a contributor to Rider and American Rider, and a longtime friend of Clem’s. Among the friends and colleagues who shared memories of Clem and Sue were Craig Stein (aka Fireball), Clem’s best friend and best man at Clem and Sue’s wedding; Reg Kittrelle, founder of Thunder Press and former editor of American Rider; Walt Fulton, former Harley-Davidson factory and current AHRMA racer; Sue’s nephew; and others. As Rider‘s former editor-in-chief, I was honored to say a few words about Clem and what he meant to the magazine and its readers over the years.
Many shared memories about riding with Clem and/or Sue, or enjoying one of the pasta nights or parties they hosted at their home. Everyone noted Clem’s charm and writing talent; Sue’s energy, creativity, and industriousness; and their generous hospitality. They made a formidable pair, and the world is a darker place without them in it.
Most of their books will be donated to the local Friends of the Atascadero Library. Many of Clem’s motorcycle books and some of his motorcycle gear and memorabilia will be auctioned off at the 13th annual Central Coast Classic Motorcycle Show, Sept. 17-20, in San Luis Obispo, California, with proceeds benefiting Cal Coast MS.
