Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1944
DIED
2014
Claude Faure Obituary
French poet and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupery wrote: "Quand vous vous donnez, vous recevez plus que vous donnez" (When you give yourself, you receive more than you give). With these words in their hearts, family and friends of Claude Faure mourn his passing, and celebrate his life.
Claude was born in Lyon, France on February 11, 1944. His parents owned a pâtisserie and were forced to cook for occupying German troops. As a young man he was trained in the culinary arts, and showed exceptional talent. In 1964 Claude arrived in Edmonds, becoming the latest chapter in a long running and uniquely American story - the immigrant armed with only talent and determination. He joined the kitchen at Henri de Navarre, and word quickly spread of Puget Sound's classically trained French chef.
In 1975 he purchased Henri and gave it a new name - Chez Claude. It was a restaurant enjoyed by all, from the connoisseur able to discern a 1961 Bourdeaux from a 1963, to the novice incapable of distinguishing Châteauneuf from Châteaubriand. Claude's genuine smile and friendly demeanor fostered an atmosphere of comfort, where dining in a fine French restaurant felt more like an evening at a friend's home.
In 1989 Claude and his wife, Janet, opened Charles at Smugglers Cove in Mukilteo, serving the Puget Sound's finest cuisine in one of its most beautiful settings. Frequent guests include foreign dignitaries, elected officials, and visiting celebrities. Boeing entrusts Claude and Janet with hosting its most important clients. And Charles remains a special place to couples who were married there, and still return for their anniversaries.
But close family and friends remember Claude for countless moments involving no food or wine, like the day he met Al Wilson. Homeless and penniless, Al wandered into the restaurant looking for food. Claude sized him up before saying: "My dishwasher didn't show up. Work for a few hours and I'll feed and pay you." Al washed Claude's dishes that night, and for the next 17 years. Over time Claude and Janet helped "Big Al" open a bank account, buy clothes, and purchase his own home.
Despite the demands of their business, Claude and Janet continued giving back to the community. At the Mukilteo YMCA's annual auctions, they offered bidders a five-course meal in their home, and a week at their condo in France. The thousands they raised were used to send underprivileged children to summer camp.
Whether it was personal acts of kindness, charitable giving, or the hundreds of people Claude employed over five decades, he kept giving back to the country that welcomed him. Moreover, his grace and calmness was a living example to the people who were fortunate to know him.
Claude's spirit remains as Charles at Smugglers Cove continues thriving. Janet, Brian Tvedt, Claude's protégé for 30 years, and the staff maintain the standards of excellence that defined his career.
Janet and his children, Corrine Faure and Jayme Roth, and his grandchildren, Alexandra and Claudia Snope, remember Claude as the devoted family man whose love was unlimited. For them, his spirit lives on in every glass of wine, bite of food, and each opportunity to show kindness to others. As Claude would tell them, "I received more in return."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Claude Faure
Sponsored by The Family.
Doug Sola
January 28, 2019
Claude,
You were our entire family's favorite chef/restaurateur from the time you first hit Edmonds in the sixties till you left Mukilteo. We will always remember that deep voice, those big brown eyes and your welcoming personality. Thanks to you, Janet, Jean Brenau(sp?) and Marc Regard for the finest rack of lamb to the lightest baked Alaska and everything in between. For hosting our high school French class, our Super Bowl parties , Anne and Ole's 50th anniversary and so many special occasions.. Marc's beautiful painting is still the centerpiece of our family room. We loved you all like family.
The Strandoos
January 26, 2015
We only wish we had stayed in touch, we always loved the Edmonds restaurant and treasure family memories of our stay in Ville Neuve. Our dear friend Corinne, on the phone with her papa asking if she could stay for dinner at Strandoos. Bless you in this sad time. The Strandoo family
January 20, 2015
As an early guest of Claude's, i remember the GOOD times spent with this nice man. phil
January 20, 2015
As an early guest of Claude's, i can only wish we remember the GOOD times spent with this nice man. Phil Lofurno
May 6, 2014
Janet we are so sorry for your loss and we will miss him too. He was always gracious about visiting with us when we dine at your warm and charming restaurant. If there is anything we can do please do not hesitate.
Love, Margo and Emile Van den Akker
Virginia Volz
May 4, 2014
I had a grand opportunity to meet this man in Edmonds, WA. Decades later in Las Vegas I informed my employer that he was missing an item from his recipe; which enraged my boss. Sure enough there was an error with his presentation. I then was questioned how I could provide such detail regarding taste and the the error. I smiled, stating that Claude Faure shared the recipe with me decades earlier and it was not forgotten.
April 1, 2014
Claude was always quick to come out of the kitchen and visit at our table whenever we went to the restaurant for lunch or dinner. I sure loved that man and will miss him everyday!
February 27, 2014
Janet, our condoences to your loss. We will miss Claude's presnece. Love, Margo and Emile Van den Akker (your neighbors)
February 21, 2014
It is so difficult to express the deep sadness in the loss of such a wonderful human being. I will miss his smile and laugh and the generosity he gave to so many. We were neighbors in our condo's in France for many years and it was Claude who helped me learn and handle everything concerning that condo. I will always cherish many memories of our times together there and at the restaurant. Claude Faure you were really the best, I will so miss seeing you.
Carol Nelson
Kim Jeremiah
February 10, 2014
I have wonderful memories of the special times and delicious dinners at Chez Claude with my parents, Donald and Joanne Jeremiah. The food there was like no other! I especially loved the scallops, and the way they were prepared. Claude and Janet were always friendly, and made us feel so welcome, and special. My sympathy to his family. Sincerely, Kim Jeremiah
Steve Franke
February 6, 2014
Claude was a wonderful man. He had a great sense of humor and I enjoyed immensely the time I spent together with him both in Mukilteo and France. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. You went to soon my friend. May you rest in peace.
Suni Pak
February 4, 2014
I worked for Claude when I was in my early twenties at Chez Claude in Edmonds and I have to say Claude and his family and the people I've worked with during those years have given me so many great memories and to a certain extent also have shaped my life.
I remember how I loved dipping the end of Baguette in Claude's delicious creamy potato dish, how I love the sight of the elegant dining room as I set the tables just before the opening….a large bouquet of fresh flowers in the center of room, lovely oil paintings of flowers along the walls and dimmed lighting and crisp linens. It was very special place for many devoted diners and always be very special moment in my life and he had a huge part in it.
Thank you Claude and may you rest in peace.
Suni Pak
Seattle, WA
February 4, 2014
My husband and I had a romantic dinner at Chez Claude's in Edmonds,and when it was time to choose a restaurant to have a dinner to help patients with kidney disease,there was no question as to where to go.Claude did a wonderful job ,and the food was unforgetable.Through the years we have had many occasions to dine at Claude;s and had some very good times with friends and family.
.He was a special man with a special talent and warm heart. Our sympathy and prayers go out to Janet and his family . He will never be forgotton. Gale and Dee Flake
James Jarriault
January 26, 2014
I will always hold fond memories of Claude from the many gatherings during my childhood to those later in life between our families. His lighthearted and kind demeanor made him fun to be around and reading of the way he treated his employees confirms the sort of man he was.
He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family.
Love James and Kim Jarriault
Dan and Rochelle Gray
January 25, 2014
We met Claude when he opened "Chez Claude" and would order special cuts of meat from us at Edmonds IGA. When our daughter, Reisha, was 2, we introduced her to fine dining, and it worked, only because the chef would bring surprises for her, allowing us to enjoy a full evening. When Claude and Janet opened "Charles at Smugglers Cove" Dan was part of the regular Boeing lunch/meeting crowd. We will always believe the most memorable YMCA auction prepared by the Northwest Master Chefs at Charles'. Several New Years Eves, a birthday party for Rochelle, a wedding shower for Rochelle's sister, and Reisha's wedding reception were held at Charles'. It happened that our son, DJ, was working at Charles' for the reception.
The time spent in Nice with Claude and Janet will never be forgotten. The old bottle of wine that Claude insisted I buy at a market. I think he knew it was vinegar. Janet, after 3-4 days on the freeway, pointing out to Claude that there was a higher gear he had yet to discover. While Claude taught us to eat American/French food and French/French food, we were never able to master Boules.
Goodbye, friend! We bought a bottle of Chateauneuf-du-Pape when we heard your condition had worsened over the New Year. The time has come to toast about 40 years of history.
Renee & Don Ripley
January 23, 2014
A special person - a special place.
Always appreciated the warm welcome
and smiles at Charles..
Bill, Patty and Sarah Church
January 23, 2014
We have known and admired Claude for many years since the early days of Henri de Navarre and have continued to enjoy his delectable cuisine, wine and truffles at Charles. Most of all we are privileged to have enjoyed his friendship and shared many celebrations with him. Our heart felt sympathy goes out to Janet, Jayme and all of Claude's family. Vous nous manquerez beaucoup.
jean-luc noirjean
January 21, 2014
Mes très sincères condoléances à Janet et toute la famille. Que de bons souvenirs de mes 4 années à Seattle et surtout de nos passages réguliers au restaurant avec Claude et Janet. I'm really sad knowing that I'm now living in Lyon where Claude is from...
Jean-Luc Noirjean
Rosalie Kosher
January 21, 2014
I met Claude in the 1980's. The Kidney Auxiliary of Puget Sound held our first dinner @ Chef Claude in Edmond's. It was such a success that we held our dinners there for many years until we outgrew the beautiful and intimate Edmond's location. Claude and Janet were perfect hosts and Claude was the finest French Chef. My late husband Joe and I celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary at the Mukilteo location. I will always treasure knowing Claude and will miss him.
January 20, 2014
Such a loss for all that knew him, and everyone that enjoyed his culinary genius. Prayers and great thoughts heading your way Janet. Gary and Beth Smith
Jeanette Dias-Grenouiller
January 20, 2014
I worked for Claude at Chez Claude . He was a wonderful person to work for. We worked hard since it was such a busy reputable restaurant but there was always a fun atmosphere. This first restaurant job experience in fine dining has stayed with me throughout my life. One night after a very exhausting busy evening a few of us employees went out afterwards for chinese food. When it was time to pay the bill the restaurant owner said, " your boss took care of it ". This was a typical example of Claudes' kindness.
I send my condolences to Janet and Corrine and all those close to him.
Virginia Stamey-Johnson
January 20, 2014
I was saddened to read of Claude's passing. I can't think of a more kind man and employer. I have many fond years of working at Chez Claude's in Edmonds and of the times my husband, Dale, and I got to see him in the years after. We met at Chez Claude's. I will always hold those memories close to my heart.
Sara Stamey
January 19, 2014
I am so saddened to hear of Claude's passing. My sisters (and brother-in-law) and I worked at Chez Claude for several years and have wonderful memories of Claude's smile and delicious food: the perfect introduction to the restaurant world.
Skip & Lynette Kidd
January 19, 2014
Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
Make a Donation
in Claude Faure's name
Memorial Events
for Claude Faure
How to support Claude's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Claude Faure's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
