Paul Benjamin Althouse
Nov. 20, 1926-Nov. 23, 2024
Portola Valley, California
Submitted by Mark Brown

Paul Benjamin Althouse passed away November 23, 2024, 3 days after his 98th birthday at The Sequoias in Portola Valley where he lived for 20 years. Paul was born in Porterville, CA on November 20, 1926, to Mary (Cooper) and Benjamin Althouse. Benjamin was a pioneer, being among the first to successfully grow oranges in the San Joaquin Valley. Paul grew up on the family ranch. After a short time in the U.S. Navy (WWII ended before he could be deployed), Paul attended Fresno State University majoring in Dentistry. He soon changed majors to horticulture. He also attended UC Davis. After graduating, Paul moved to the Bay Area to start a nursery. In 1949, Paul bought a run-down Redwood City Nursery on El Camino Real and built his business. In the 1960s, his landlord wanted to sell the Nursery land and Paul bought another property adjacent and rebuilt. The Nursery became well known for high quality, fair prices and free gardening and design advise. In 1988, Mark Brown, Paul’s nephew took ownership and management of the Nursery. Paul continued to work full time until the age of 87 when Mark retired. Through the years, Paul and the Nursery would serve several generations of families. The Nursery is sorely missed in the community today.

Paul was very philanthropic setting part of his estate up in trust for Lucille Packard Children’s hospital and The Sequoias Tomorrow Fund. He was a long-time season ticket holder and donor to the S.F. Symphony and Opera which he so enjoyed attending with his long-time friend, Hildegard Jackson. He also supported Filoli, but his greatest love was Gamble Gardens. Paul was one of the original board members and donated generously to all projects and improvements. In addition, he volunteered many hours a week, single handedly maintaining the extensive cutting garden and donating all the bulbs and numerous plants annually.

Paul is survived by his brother Harold (Jan), nephews Mark Brown (Lisa), Tim Brown (Margie) and Bradley Althouse, niece Karyl Johnson (Roger), and their children and grandchildren and numerous relatives and his closest friend Hildegard Jackson (Bruce). He is predeceased by his Father and Mother and sisters Evelyn Brown (Dale) and Geraldine Winter (Delmar).

Paul will be remembered for his kindness, generosity and gentle soul. His wish is that any memorial donation be made to Gamble Gardens.

Tags: veteran, business