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Clayton Hambrick Obituary
Clayton was an accomplished guitarist and a long time member of the Washington, D.C. area bluegrass band, The Grass Menagerie. Considering a change of profession, he attended a French cooking school and was later employed by the Ethel Kennedy family as their Chef, both at their estate in Virginia and at their home in Hyannisport. After moving to the Berkshires, he and his partners, Linda and Allan Forman, opened, in 1981, their popular Lenox bistro, the Church Street Cafe which they operated for 29 years.
He is survived by his partner of many years, Allan M. Forman, loving friend, Linda Forman, beloved family Dog, Roscoe, brother, Larry Hambrick, and sister, Diane King.
A memorial service is being planned for later this year. Memorial donations in Clayton's memory may be made to BERKSHIRE HUMANE SOCIETY in care of Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main Street, Lenox, MA 01240.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Clayton Hambrick
Sponsored by The Berkshire Eagle.
Eugene A Buckley Jr
July 10, 2022
My condolences to his family. USCG POLAR SEA US Coast Guard Cheif HAMBRICK whose dream came true on Cape Cod thanks to his many freinds. RIP Clay
Larry Laurent
February 4, 2022
Just learned of Clayton's passing and wanted to express my sincerest sympathies to Allan and Linda. While I only spent one summer as a dishwasher, Clayton was always kind and would often show me how he carefully chose ingredients, prepared food, and ran the kitchen. I'll always remember him as a caring, down-to-earth, approachable and, most importantly, kind person. I often think, and poorly try to replicate, just two of my favorite dishes he prepared; Gumbo and Pecan Chicken with Hollandaise. Thoughts and prayers to all who knew him and feel the loss.
Elena Powell Edwin Powell
January 3, 2022
Just heard this sad news. We had been loyal customers of theirs for the entire time they owned Church Street Cafe. They made the best team of hospitality People in the restaurant field. Linda with her friendly way and good wine knowledge. Allan with his summer visits bussing and serving while
teaching in D.C. then his full time entry into the Berkshire way. Clayton would always make it a point to come out and visit our table with his soft southern talk to see if everything was ok. He is the only chef that knew how I liked my meat cooked.! Just take it out to the parking lot and drive over it a few times! He understood what well cooked meant to me. We will miss him but our memories will make us smile too.
Elena and Ed Powell
Patty Cooper
June 6, 2021
He was extraordinary talented, a wonderful person, and one-of-a-kind. I remember his kindness, his humor, his life force. My heart goes out to you, Allan and Linda, and the Hambrick family. May you find peace.
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kathleen cornelia
May 15, 2021
My fond memories of Clayton always include his smile and laugh.
He possessed boundless kindness and made a difference in my life
along with his wonderful partner, Allan, and dear friend, Linda.
We are less without him. My loving thoughts are with you Allan and Linda.
xKathleen Cornelia
Gia Young
May 8, 2021
So sad to hear this news. Allan and Linda, I am so very sorry for your loss, my deepest condolences to you both as well as Clayton’s family. Clayton was a great friend and mentor. I am forever grateful for that. I think of him often and always with a smile. Just recently when I was making the fruit Cobbler recipe of his mother’s that he taught me 35 + years ago. I have so many wonderful memories working together with Clayton and the Galvagni sisters! We used to have a whole lot of hard work but plenty of fun together getting it all done. He was a talented, kind and an incredibly special person. He will always hold a very special place in my heart.
Denise Nash
May 3, 2021
I am so sorry that i had not seen of Claytons passing earlier. So sorry for your loss and the loss the world will feel. Take Care, with loving thoughts.... Denise Nash
Scott Huff
April 28, 2021
This truly hurts my heart. Clayton was one of the very nicest people I've ever known. Linda and Allan my heart also hurts for you both.
Scott M. Pignatelli
April 28, 2021
Linda and Alan,
I am so sorry for the news about Clayton, he will always be remembered for his gentle ways and kind words. I had the luxury of being your electrician since you came to Lenox and it was always a joy to see Clayton on the street, in the kitchen at Church St Café or at Zinc.
He was always so nice to my parents and I never heard him say a bad word about anyone. I will miss his smile and humor.
I hope you find comfort knowing how much Clayton was loved.
Shari Tanguay and Bob Plant
April 26, 2021
We are so sad to hear of the loss of this man we were so fond of and felt lucky to have worked for ❤
Mary Bauman
April 26, 2021
Clayton's deep laugh, contagious smile, and generosity will always be sweet memories. Whether I saw him at the gym, on the street, or at Zinc, it was a wonderful meeting every time. The community has lost a gem of a gentleman who made a positive impact of all of us. He will be missed. My condolences to Allan and Linda.
Warmly,
Mary
Susie Hirshfield
April 25, 2021
Stuart and I send our condolences and love to Linda and Alan. Clayton was such a kind and gentle man. We will miss him.
Susie and Stuart Hirshfield
Chris Ryan
April 25, 2021
So sorry to hear about our great friend Clayton. Clayton was one my very first mentors in the cooking world. He had such a great demeanor at all times. Rest in piece my friend. Chris and Jasmine
Melissa
April 25, 2021
Oh Clay, you were such a rare light in this world. Every night I would look forward to your smiling face walking through those doors at Zinc. I’ve never met someone who was always so calm and cool, on some of my busiest nights I would look at you and hear you say “it’s all good Mel” and you were right, it is all
good. I’m sure going to miss your stories, your energy and just your presence. Until we meet again.
Andrea DeMayo
April 25, 2021
Over many years I was graced with seeing Clayton through his friendship with my father. His love of food and wine connected him with many people. No matter where or when I saw Clayton, his smile and laugh would light up a room. His gentle mannerism was contagious. One of the last times we were together, he and his family had the most delicious dinner; we ate, drank, and laughed the hours away. My sincere condolences go out to Linda and Alan. May his memories be a blessing during this difficult time.
John and Ellen Kelly
April 25, 2021
We were saddened to hear of Clayton's passing. He was a dear friend we walked with at Kennedy Park along with Roscoe, and our Penny Lane. Our condolences to Alan and Linda.
David Lee
April 25, 2021
I called on Clayton for several years as a wine salesman. It was always a pleasure to see him and he was a true gentleman. My condolences to Allan and Linda.
Denise Galvagni
April 24, 2021
My Friend.my Mentor, I sure hope you knew how much I loved and respected you. You gave me a job at 14 and allowed me along side of you to explore the art of food. You gave me the space to create, make mistakes and to learn that relationships are far more important than anything else in life. You will be missed and I will be forever grateful for our friendship far beyond the restaurant. Thank you Clay. ❤
wayne Lemanski
April 24, 2021
Every so often, someone will pass and I will say to myself "I wish I knew him better". Although just an acquaintance, it was a pleasure to meet him. On the human scale I would give him a solid 10.
Alexandra Huber
April 24, 2021
I’m so shocked and saddened to learn of Clayton’s passing. Many years ago I waitressed for him and he was the best boss I ever had. I was able to tell him that when a few years ago we became reacquainted at Kennedy Park where we often met as part of the early morning dog walkers. He and Roscoe were so much a symbol of the spirit of the place. What a kind, gentle man with that lovely southern voice. I will miss him and think of him every time we start down the path. Rest In Peace Clayton. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Alex Huber
Christine Jordan
April 24, 2021
Clayton will be very much missed on the local Lenox scene.
Cocktail hour at Bistro Zinc will never be quite the same.
Rest In Peace, friend.
Erik and Donna Steinert
April 24, 2021
It was an honor and privilege to know Clayton. Erik and I send our deepest condolences to his family and friends. We cannot begin to imagine your pain and we wish for you peace and comfort in all the coming days. Clayton was the kindest and most gentle of souls. He made anyone who met him feel that they mattered and he cared. His warm smile and beautiful heart will
be missed by so many. Such a huge loss to our community which he served so faithfully for so many years. Godspeed Clayton ~ Erik and Donna Steinert
Erik and Donna Steinert
April 24, 2021
It was an honor and a privilege to know Clayton. Erik and I send our deepest condolences to his family and friends. We cannot begin to imagine your pain right now and we wish for you peace and comfort in all the coming days. Clayton was one of the kindest, and most gentle of souls. He made anyone who met him feel like they mattered. It is a huge loss to our community. His beautiful heart and smile will be missed by so many. Godspeed Clayton. ~ Erik and Donna Steinert
Lenox Police Department
April 24, 2021
Please accept our sincere condolences.
Dereck
April 24, 2021
I am saddened to hear this news. Ever since I met clayton many years ago he always greeted me with a big smile and a hello. My condolences alan and linda.
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