Services set for longtime West Seattle restaurateur Neal Saffer

Thanks to Leslie for sharing this link via Facebook: Our partners at the Seattle Times published an obituary today for 86-year-old Neal Saffer, who ran Quesnel’s Restaurant in West Seattle for more than 20 years. According to the obituary, Mr. Saffer is to be buried at Dignity/Forest Lawn in West Seattle at noon tomorrow, with the burial service there to be followed by a reception at Holy Rosary; he died of heart failure, and is survived by family members including wife Margaret Saffer, with whom he had moved to Port Orchard in 2004. (If you are not a long-long-time West Seattleite – some WSB’ers who are, have discussed Quesnel’s over the years, and remember it as being along Beach Drive.)

8 Replies to "Services set for longtime West Seattle restaurateur Neal Saffer"

  • ajwren May 20, 2010 (9:58 pm)

    I was fortunate enough to rent the apartment above their house on Beach Drive at the foot of Jacobson. The Saffers were so gracious. I had just moved from Indiana in 1986. When my parents came to visit they invited us to over and we all enjoyed a chat and tea. And also the wonderful view of Puget Sound. Marge and Neal watched over me and were fun neighbors. It was a great beginning for my time in Seattle. Cheers to you, Neal. My sympathy to you, Marge.

  • Ignatz May 20, 2010 (10:08 pm)

    We used to eat at Quesnels when I was a kid..special occasions! It was so nice as were the owners.

  • Melinda May 21, 2010 (7:42 am)

    The best fish and chips! An economical supper out when our kids were little and then off to play on the grass/stroll along the promenade. Great memories. Many thanks.

  • Gina May 21, 2010 (8:28 am)

    Quesnel’s, the former Byrne Grocery store, opened in October 1959. Beach Drive and Jacobsen Rd. Converted to a duplex in 1986, according to Marge Saffer, page 33 of Memories of Southwest Seattle Businesses, available at the Log House Museum. A fun read for any local history buffs.

    I remember starched, pink tableclothes, excellent food, and a good view and nice people.

    • WSB May 21, 2010 (8:34 am)

      Wow, the month I was born. What a great location that must have been, view-wise.
      And re: the reference – THAT is a book I need to get. Thanks, Gina!

  • miws May 21, 2010 (7:53 pm)

    Yeah, thanks Gina!

    .

    I’ll have to get that book too. Do you remember approximately how much it cost?

    .

    Mike

  • Gina May 22, 2010 (8:03 am)

    http://www.loghousemuseum.info/giftshop.php

    $18.95 for the SW Businesses book, and there are a few other local history books that are pretty darn good available at the gift shop.

    miws: are you going to J.P. at Westwood Village? I’m still trying to decide.

  • miws May 22, 2010 (9:18 pm)

    Thanks Gina!

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    Didn’t make it to see J.P. Just didn’t feel like being in a crowd today.

    .

    Mike

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