Clem Stein

Stein, Clem

Clem Stein, 73, of Oakland, CA, was suddenly taken from us on the morning of April 29, 2013. He is survived by his wife, his son, his sisters and cousins, as well as their families.

Son of Clem Stein, Sr., and Emma Graf Stein, Clem was born in 1939 in Neenah, Wisconsin and grew up in Menasha, Wisconsin. An avid sportsman in football, track, and tennis as a youth, he always remained a proud Eagle Scout. Some of Clem's fondest memories in Menasha included fishing with his father, playing in the neighborhood with his cousins as a boy, being a Boy Scout and Eagle Scout, and assisting local car dealers in driving cars up from Chicago as a teenager in the 1950s. After attending the University of Wisconsin, he followed his calling to enroll in Radio and Television school in Los Angeles, California, where he launched his radio and television career.

During his time in the service in the 1960s, Clem became a prolific radio personality with the Armed Forces Radio Network (AFN) in Munich, Germany, where he also enjoyed playing exhibition tennis for the Armed Forces and performing voice-over work for German movie studios.

Clem came to the Bay Area after spending time in the Southern Oregon media market, where also graduate from Southern Oregon University. During his broadcast career, he covered almost all aspects of broadcasting - Cameraman, Program Director, Announcer, Producer, and as on-air talent. Most notably Clem worked at local stations KUDO and KPIX channel 5, including as financial Anchorman in the 1970s. His work at the financial news desk led him to the securities market, and ultimately, to a career in real estate.

After success with Bay Area companies during the 1970s, he moved to the North Lake Tahoe area, to start a boutique real estate firm for vacation properties, introducing novel video tours for absentee buyers. Later, Clem started a brokerage serving limited access developments. Clem consulted business partners both locally and internationally. Privately, his favorite local investment opportunity was a boutique Alameda winery, where he met his wife, who shared his passion for good wine, good food, and good company.

After his retirement, Clem found his voice as an author, blogger, and speaker. An avid traveler and perennial student of culture, art, and life, Clem loved the simple things, including wine making and home-cooked meals. Clem stayed active by being a passionate skier and world traveler.

On the morning of his passing, Clem had just returned from an extended trip. His passing was sudden and in the most beautiful of settings. As an entrepreneur and an astute observer of business and life, Clem influenced the lives of many - as mentor, friend, father, and partner. He will be missed by all whose lives he touched.

Celebrations of Clem's life were held in May and July in Oakland and Emeryville, CA. To receive Clem's book and further information, or to contact or reconnect with Clem and his family, please email joseph@watergatesales.com or call (510) 654-8700. Donations in Clem's honor to the Museum of Broadcast Communications, Chicago (www.museum.tv), or to The Boy Scouts of America are greatly appreciated.