Ellis Joseph Alden, a resident of Atherton who also lived for 30 years in Woodside, died on Dec. 2 following a brief illness. He was 80 years old.
A native of New York, Alden moved to California in 1965, where he founded a law firm. He lived in Atherton for 17 years, and before that in Woodside for three decades, said his wife, Karen Alden.
After he left the law practice, he started businesses: the Woodside Hotel Group, a collection of independent hotels located in Northern California, and Alden Vineyards, one of the first mountain wine estates in the Alexander Valley, according to his family.
The Woodside Hotel Group, which Alden founded in 1972, is now led by his son Greg, according to the hotel group's website. Hotels include the Stanford Park Hotel in Menlo Park and the Napa Valley Lodge in Yountville, according to the website.
"Ellis inspired the people in his life with his vibrant energy, optimism, ideas, and talent for creating beautiful spaces," according to his family. "He was a lively storyteller and creative writer who won the Robert Frost Award at Dartmouth College. His mirthful spirit made him apt to rhyme and sing, amusing those around him."
Born in Brooklyn in 1939, Alden grew up in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and Westchester County, New York. He graduated from Dartmouth College and Columbia University Law School.
Between undergraduate studies and law school, Alden served in the U.S. Army, his family said.
In his later years, Alden enjoyed classical music, travel, art, international news and family time, according to his family.
Alden is survived by his wife Karen; his children, Christopher, Greg and Jennifer; his former spouse, Katherine; six grandchildren; one brother and two sisters; and many nieces and nephews.
His family prefers that memorial donations be made to the Peninsula Symphony and Good2Know Partners.
A gathering to celebrate Alden's life will take place in early spring, according to his family.
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Comments
Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Dec 13, 2019 at 1:10 pm
on Dec 13, 2019 at 1:10 pm
I had the pleasure of knowing and working with this great man for the past twelve years.
He had a huge heart, a brilliant mind and his generosity was abundant.
He will truly be missed however his legacy will live on through his wonderful family and the special places that he created in Menlo Park, Bodega Bay, Napa Valley, Lafayette and Monterey.