SF style icon Wilkes Bashford dies at 82

A well-known San Francisco clothier died Saturday night in his San Francisco home.

Wilkes Bashford, 82, passed away after battling cancer, according to Mayor Ed Lee, who said in a statement this morning that San Francisco will not be the same without him:

“As President of the War Memorial Board of Trustees, Wilkes oversaw our City’s treasured performing arts venues and recently presided over the reopening and rededication of the War Memorial Veterans Building after a historic multi-year safety renovation.”

Lee added:

“We were fortunate to have called him a true friend of our City.”

Bashford owned a luxury clothing store named after himself, located at 375 Sutter St. He first opened the store in 1966.

Bashford was a local fixture in the city, being involved in various charities and organizations, according to Lee Houskeeper.

Housekeeper described Bashford as someone who was dedicated to his work, adding that he “brought such style and class to San Francisco.”