Howard Clifford Alphson

April 20, 1919 - August 12, 2015 Longtime Santa Monica resident, Howard Clifford Alphson, lawyer, developer, avid sportsman and beloved family man, died Wednesday, August 12, 2015 at the age of 96. Alphson was born April 20, 1919 in Grand Forks, North Dakota to Judge John Alphson and Anna Sannes Alphson. He graduated from the University of North Dakota. After graduation he served in the U.S. Army Infantry and became a Captain and Company Commander. He received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for Valor. He was wounded at Normandy. After the war, Alphson entered Harvard Law School, graduating in 1948 and began his law practice of over 60 years in Los Angeles. In 1951 he was recalled as a Major in the Korean War where he earned an Oak Leaf Cluster. He and Druscilla Terhune were married 66 years. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Mimi, his brothers Robert and John, and his sister, Grace. He is survived by his wife, his beloved daughter, Marcia, his son, John, four grandchildren, Bennett, Kristiane, Britt, and Graham and two sisters, Margaret Alphson and Mrs. James Nelson (Judy). Alphson was a giant of a man who brought joy and laughter to all who knew him. He will be deeply missed. A Celebration of Life tribute was held at his home on August 22nd. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675 or www.woundedwarriorproject.org.