Darryl Scott Althoff

Darryl Althoff, a generous spirit with a big heart who is loved by so many. A serious goofball who brought so much laughter, smiles, and silliness to the world.

On Friday July 23rd, 2021, Darryl Althoff, amazing husband and loving father of two, lost his battle with depression at his home in Spring Valley CA at the age of 40.

Even though he left this world way too young, he had great potential and talent to share with All he encountered. He was a highly intelligent, kind hearted, and gifted individual who will be incredibly missed.

Born in San Diego, CA in March of 1981. He grew up in Spring Valley, San Diego County CA. Darryl is joined in death by his mother Virginia Althoff, grandmother Marjorie Althoff Scheib, grandfather Ray Althoff, grandfather Richard Velasco, and cousin Jeffrey Althoff.

Darryl is survived by his Wife Opal-Lia, son Christian Silas, daughter Pearl, father Kenneth Althoff, grammie Virginia C. Velasco, sister Karen Andersen, step-sister Meagan Sanders, brother -in law Steve Andersen, neice Hailey Andersen, nephew Hayden Andersen, auntie Virginia Grathwell, cousin Travis Grathwell, uncle David Althoff, cousin Wesley Althoff, as well as lots of friends and 2 dogs Lily and Elliot and his cuddle buddy his 18 year old cat Frankenstein.

Darryl was an artist and creative soul with unique abilities and tons of talent. He loved to draw, wire wrap jewelry, wood carve and whittle. Darryl loved music, he played the trumpet and a little guitar and bass. He enjoyed shooting his guns and was highly skilled in Martial Arts and had a great respect and interest in Japanese and samurai culture. He Loved hiking and the great outdoors, while being with his loved ones and making people laugh.

Darryl often nostalgically recalled going to his grandma's and grandpa's in Niland CA and loved learning how to shoot. At a young age he learned martial arts, he earned his black belt and enjoyed teaching at his family's Dojo. In high school he was skilled at wrestling and water polo and was quite proud of his letterman jacket he earned. He spent time in college but life had other plans. He left when his mother was ill and losing her was the hardest thing for Darryl and his family.

At age 20 in Febuary of 2001 he meet his soul mate, and future wife Opal-Lia through a mutual friend. They became best friends, hitting it off immediately and about 6 months later they moved in together and rented a little house together. Having so many interests in common but being complete opposites, they made a very balanced team.

In early 2000's in his 20's Darryl worked an office job but really wanted to be outdoors, so he followed in his father's footsteps and joined the local 547 Carpenters Union and went through as an apprentice. With amazing mentors he loved what he did. About 15 years later, as a journeyman and mentor himself Darryl still loved his career as a Union Carpenter doing layout and loved all his union brothers and sisters. As a hard worker, he always gave all he had, and as a complete goofball he brought a little bit of silliness on the job.

In 2009 Darryl and his future wife bought their first home together, got married not long after, and adopted a special-needs child, their son Christian-Silas. With great joy by their first wedding anniversary they were pregnant for the first time with their 2nd child Pearl, who was born in December 2011. Life wasn't always perfect but there was always so much love.

As a family they often hiked with their two dogs and loved to go camping. They went on countless road trip adventures over the years and saw many beautiful places across the western United States. Darryl was a man who valued quality time with his family more than anything. It was important to him to have family dinner at the table the traditional way, he felt it was essential for their bonding. He will eternally live in our hearts as an amazing, loving, generous, and wonderfully devoted Father, Husband, Son, Brother and Friend.

Darryl will be greatly missed and fondly remembered forever.

Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us everyday.


On August 7th, Family and friends will be attending the Toro Nagashi Festival at the Japanese Friendship Garden
https://www.niwa.org/odori

On August 19th at 6:30 pm there will be a Memorial Service at the Inamori Pavilion.
The Lower Garden Venue’s "Inamori Pavilion"
Located at 2220 Paseo de Oro, San Diego, CA 92101

In Historic Balboa Park
Best Parking located in Gold Gulch Parking Lot
Family request you please wear white or light colors.
There will be snacks and dessert after the Memorial.

In lieu of flowers please consider assisting the Althoff family via PayPal to: Opal.althoff@gmail.com