Charles Paul Abowd

July 8, 1951 - November 9, 2024

Charles Paul Abowd, local chef, restauranteur, philanthropist, and larger than life member of the Carson City, Carson Valley and Reno communities, passed away suddenly, peacefully in the late hours of Saturday, November 9th .

Charlie Abowd was born July 8,1951in Oakland, California and grew up in his younger years in El Cerito and later San Jose. He was a proud 1970 graduate of Bellarmine, College Preparatory high school. It was during his high school years when he met the love of his life, Karen whom he married February 19,1972 and moved to Santa Cruz. Charlie’s daughter, Racquel was born in May, 1975 who became the light of his life. While in Santa Cruz Charlie was co-owner of a construction company. His first son Paul was born in October 1977 who quickly passed away from SIDS a
month later. Charlie moved Karen and Racquel to Seattle, Washington not long after for a clean slate joining his uncle in the construction trade. It was while living in Seattle that Charlie was working on two restaurant remodels which led to his career change. He began managing and cheffing following the remodel, embracing the restaurant industry he grew up surrounded by, and following in his father’s footsteps to later blaze his own path. In 1979 Charlie’s parents Paul and Adele moved to Carson City, NV bringing their restaurant career for a “smaller, slowed pace” and found themselves to be much busier than anticipated. Following Charlie’s career shift it was his mother, Adele, who offered he join them in Carson City to work in the growing family business. In March 1980 while in Seattle, his second son Eric was born. It was not long after that he packed up the family and made the move to Carson City. He started as a bartender and focused on updating the wine list while also spending time in the kitchen with his dad, Paul, who became his biggest mentor. Charlie and Karen’s son Jeremiah was born in June 1982 completing the family unit. Charlie was a fierce supporter of his children and recognized the need to expand himself to better financially support the expenses of the growing family needs and colleges around the corner. In 1990 Charlie was offered a position by Steve Wynn and the Mirage Casino Group to be the face of Picasso’s Restaurant at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. After much deliberation as inviting as the offer was, he and Karen made the conscious decision to remain in Carson City, which led to them purchasing Adele’s themselves in 1994 beginning the transformation to Café’ at Adele’s and the launch of their dedication to Farm-To-Table dining experiences. Charlie, being no stranger to personal struggles, channeled his devotion to helping others, beginning with the Community Addiction Clinic holding annual golf fundraisers and serving on the board of directors. He had also for many years been dedicated to supporting Carson High School Boosters Club, and Saint Teresa Church. It was Charlie’s vision and groundwork that propelled the beginning of the Basque Festival. With the growth of the Café at Adele’s came the expanded role in giving back within the community he loved so dearly. He hosted countless events in support of the Wild Horse Rescue, Paws on the Veranda – SPCA, Reno Rodeo Denim Drive, Northern Nevada Hopes Foundation, Toys for Tots, Ron Wood Family Resource Center, FISH, Tent City and with Karen as the driving force and Co-Founder of The Greenhouse Project, Charlie was the biggest champion rallying behind the organization.

Charlie’s activism in politics started as a young 18-year-old, standing for peace and unity. This political activism continued through the decades with Adele’s being a hub for each legislative session. Charlie was passionate and stood proudly for who and what he believed in.

Charlie received countless accolades for his career achievements but one he was most proud of was the Silver Shovel Award at the 2020 Nevada Farms Conference for his lifetime support. He was honored to receive his highest professional career milestone in 2005 with the invitation to cook for 100 people at The James Beard House in New York City. The invitation was received directly from Daniel Boulud following an
Impromptu visit to Adele’s Restaurant. His additional awards included 2016 Culinary Excellence Restauranteur of the Year, 2014 Nevada Family-Owned Business of the Year, Ron Wood Resource Center Community Leader of the Year, Multiyear Michelin Star Award, West Coast Wine Enthusiast, and multiple years Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.

Charlie was a bleeding heart, who extended his helping hand and kit to anyone in need always answering “yes” to any donation or event request. His heart was even larger when it came to his family. Charlie’s greatest love was for his wife of 52 years, Karen, his three children and his five grandchildren. Consistently present in their lives he was a grounding base and example of love, dedication, hard work, compassion, perseverance, and individuality always being authentically and unapologetically, uniquely himself.

Charlie is survived by his loving wife Karen, children Racquel (Scott Baker), Nicole (Eric, deceased), Jeremiah (Nicole), grandchildren Austin Coombs, Cameron Coombs, Abby Coombs, Mallory Abowd, and Ava Abowd, brother Michael Abowd (Wendy), sisters Colette Burau and Cyrina Abowd, cousin Jerry Massad (Denise Clodjeaux), and large extended family and friends who love him and whom he loved.

To know Charlie was to love him. His legacy will live on through all those he touched. His larger-than-life impact will be honored through a Celebration of Life to be held on December, 16th 2024 at 10:30am at the Brewery Art Center Performance Hall and Livestream to Black Box Theater,449 W. King Street, Carson City, NV 89703. The reception will immediately follow at Great Basin Brewery with tented Proctor Street, 302 N. Carson Street, Carson City, NV 89703.

In honor of Charlie’s legacy, we ask that he be honored by lavishing grace upon others, deeply caring about the community, and putting compassion into action… It’s the called #charliechallenge

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to
“In Memory of Eric Abowd” Carson High School Scholarship fund
Wells Fargo Account 2004254880
Zelle: EricAbowdScholarshipFund@yahoo.com

or

The Greenhouse Project
Online: www.carsoncitygreenhouse.org
Or check can be mailed to:
The Greenhouse Project
PO Box 2024
Carson City, NV 89702