Wade Douglas Hoefer of Healdsburg, California passed away on August 11th, 2020 after a long battle with a terminal illness. He was able to spend his last days in the company of his children who were with him when he passed.
He was 72 years old.
Wade was born on March 15, 1948 in Long Beach, CA. to Josephina and Robert Buell. He graduated highschool from Ygnacio Valley High in Concord, Calif. He married his high school sweetheart, Dawn Skinner, in 1969. In 1972, earned an M.F.A. at California College of Art and Craft in Oakland, CA.
Wade started his career in landscape architecture which then developed into viticulture. He was the vineyard manager at Clos Du Bois Winery for many years while building his art career. He loved spending time in the garden because of the peaceful meditative quality it held for him. He was passionate about horseback riding and possessed excellent roping skills. This was another side to Wade that many weren’t aware of. Long horseback rides, alone in nature, provided the premise for his art.
Wade became an influential figure in Western landscape during his long career. His atmospheric paintings depict rivers, lakes, valleys and skies that are inspired by the scenery of California, where he made his life long home
Wade’s calming landscapes grace museums, private homes, galleries, restaurants and hotels across the world.
“The landscape is what I know, it’s the only thing I’m sure of”, Wade has said. “Remove the landscape tradition from painting and you’re left with a sense of loss: it’s innately cherished by people…My work is made by hand, wrought in a soulful way. We’re only human, and we want confirmation of that.” Wade’s work proved his love for the area in which he lived.
He is survived by his children, Daughter Jessica Hoefer- Land (Lonnie), Son Zane Hoefer, Step-Daughters Lisa North (Roger) and Gina Gattuso (Phil)
Grandchildren include: Jaimey, William, Wyatt, Madeline, Alex and Clay.
Wade is also survived by his 100 year old mother, Josephina D’Agostino Hoefer, sister Nancy Hoefer-Orr and brother, Keith Hoefer (Robin)
Wade loved his nieces and nephews and made a lot of memories with them as they grew into adulthood and beyond. He was proud of their achievements.
He was preceded in death by his brother Mark Hoefer in 2009 and his father, William Hoefer in 2003. His long time partner, Myra Hoefer, passed in 2015. They married in 1981. Myra and Wade forged a mighty partnership and became the darlings of interior design and art. Their combined sense of style and artistic expression provided a platform in which to showcase their incredible talents.
Known throughout Healdsburg for his wit, charm, style and dry sense of humor, Wade thrived on community and social gatherings. His love of parties, food, cooking, good wine (‘just a splash more’), reading cookbooks, beautiful clothes, sketching, painting and times of quiet solitude fueled his creative spirit.
Wade was fluent in 5 languages, an extensive traveler and loved researching his strong Italian heritage. He was passionate about animals and equality for all. He loved a good cigar in the company of his brothers. He enjoyed singing and playing acoustic guitar. While he loved fine cuisine, Wade’s comfort food was simply dressed pasta and his mother’s gnocchi with garlic bread.
Wade’s legacy will remain an integral part of Healdsburg. He loved living here and built his career around it’s beauty. Even though his time on earth has come to a close, Wade’s presence will be felt as we see his beautiful art continue on in the world. As his family, we have joy knowing his influence continues in and around us.
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