August 8, 1939 – December 2, 2019
On Monday, December 2nd, 2019, Ellis Joseph Alden, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, passed away at the age of 80 following a brief illness.
Ellis was born on August 8, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and Westchester County, New York, and graduated from Dartmouth College and Columbia University Law School. Between college and law school Ellis served in the army. Ellis had a deep love for his country and a particular interest in constitutional law.
Ellis had a profound passion for life, work, and family. His pioneering spirit brought him to California in 1965, where he was a founding partner of a law firm. After he left the law practice, his entrepreneurial drive fueled two successful businesses, both labors of love for him: the Woodside Hotel Group, a collection of gracious, independent hotels located in beautiful northern California settings, and Alden Vineyards, one of the first mountain wine estates in the Alexander Valley.
Ellis inspired the people in his life with his vibrant energy, optimism, ideas, and talent for creating beautiful spaces. 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. Ellis had an appreciative sense of humor and was generous with his compliments, praise, and support of others.
In later years, Ellis’s enthusiasms included classical music, travel, art, international news, and time enjoyed with his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Ellis is survived by his wife Karen, his children, Christopher (Daphne), Gregory (Lindsey), and Jennifer (Kirk), his former spouse, Katherine, six beloved grandchildren, one brother, two sisters, and many nieces and nephews. Ellis was preceded in death by his father, Jerry, his mother, Evelyn, and his brother, John.
A gathering to celebrate Ellis’ life will take place in early spring.
For anyone wishing to make a donation in Ellis’ memory, his favorite nonprofit organizations were the Peninsula Symphony and Good2Know Partners.