Obituaries

Harold (Hal) Alden was an early pioneer in the home textile industry who began his career importing decorative pillows from Japan in 1958. He was a central figure in forging a path for how the world would later trade. Hal was an extraordinary visionary with the courage and spirit of the early settlers, venturing into uncharted territory and imagining a new way of doing business without borders.
In the early 1970’s, Hal once again set the stage for the future of international trade when he petitioned China for a visa before Nixon opened trade relations with that country. By virtue of his efforts, he was able to be part of the first business delegation invited to China.
Hal Alden was a unique self made man whose success in business was a result of his extraordinary intelligence, talent and incredible grit. His business instincts were unparalleled and as a result he was a dominant force in his industry garnering as much as 70% of all pillow sales in the U. S. Hal’s ability to understand what consumers would respond to and his skills at producing product were some of the gifts that set him apart. In addition, were his ethical methods of doing business and his fair and respectful treatment of all whom he dealt with. Hal’s name was respected throughout the business world here and abroad. He was regarded as one of the giants of the textile industry.
Hal was the quintessential patriarch who cared for his wife and three children with an abundance of warmth and love. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a bright, twinkling smile, which lit up his face with endearing sweetness. He was a wonderful husband and father who provided comfort, security, support and love.
Hal had a great zest for life, posessed a fine sense of dress and was an avid oenophile and epicure. He was highly respected in the world of art where he and his wife were collectors of many of the great contemporary artists.
As accomplished as he was, Hal was also as humble. To meet him, one would never have known the greatness of the man and his achievements. But he was indeed a great man who will be missed by so many
Harold is survived by his wife, 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild