Clemens Van Beurden, known to all as Clé, passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 28, 2026. Born on June 11, 1940, in Indonesia, Clé lived a rich life that crossed continents, cultures, and decades. His warm personality and infectious laugh left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.
The oldest of 10 siblings, Clé’s early years were shaped by the turmoil of World War II. From 1943 to 1946, he was held with his mother and two siblings in a Japanese prisoner camp for women and children in Indonesia. After liberation, the family was aided by nuns, reunited with their father, and traveled to the Netherlands aboard a refugee freighter. They settled in Tilburg, where Clé spent his formative years attending Catholic schools and church. He had fond memories of spending each August holiday biking to the seaside with his family.
In 1957, Clé and his entire family, sponsored by the Catholic League, immigrated to the United States. They departed Rotterdam by ship, arriving at Ellis Island before embarking on a four-day train journey to Fresno, California, where they began their new life. Clé’s passion for travel by sea and train carried through his entire life.
Clé attended Fresno State University from 1960-1964, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in economics. He then embarked on a career as a restaurateur, managing Degnan’s in Yosemite, where he met his first wife Marilyn and they were married from 1964-1978. Clé and Marilyn had two beautiful daughters, Carrie and Monique.
In 1968, he fell in love with the Central Coast and decided to put down roots. Those roots ran deep as he called the Central Coast home for over the next 60+ years. He owned and operated with his family five different local establishments: the Flying Dutchman, Hofbrau, The Grey Heron, The Sandpiper, and the famous Friar Tucks. It was at Friar Tucks where he met Joan–they married in 1980 and had two children together, Nick and Ariana.
In the 1980’s he transitioned from the restaurant business to work with his brother Bill at Van Beurden Insurance Agency where he ran the personal lines department and managed the offices on the coast. He retired in 2015.
Clé was an avid music lover; he hosted musicians at his restaurants throughout the years and later in life was on the Board of the Directors of the San Luis Obispo Symphony. He began a Buddhist practice and was a member of the White Heron Sangha.
Clé is survived by his partner Joan Ghilotti Van Beurden, and four children Carrie Van Beurden, Monique Van Beurden Richetti, Nick Van Beurden, and Ariana Van Beurden; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; eight siblings; and two half siblings. He is preceded in death by his mother Maria, father Cornelius, and brother Joost.
His memorial will be held Sunday, March 29, at 11 a.m. at the Cayucos Vet’s Hall at 10 Cayucos Drive. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the San Luis Obispo Symphony.
