Alexander Low Stribling
It is with great sorrow to announce that Alexander (Aleck) Low Stribling, born on September 13, 1927, at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California to his parents, William F. Stribling and Mary Jane ( Paterson) Stribling, passed away on October 20, 2022, in Solvang, California.
As a child, he was raised on Riven Rock Estate in Montecito, California, where his parents were employed and lived. Aleck’s love of plants stemmed from the lush gardens and flowers he was exposed to on the estate as a child. His childhood in the hills of Montecito helped to develop his love for hiking and hunting, causing him to eventually travel throughout his life from his home to the plains of Africa and the rest of the world. Aleck also cherished his years in the Cub and Boy Scouts. His mother even served as Den Mother.
After graduating from Santa Barbara High School in 1945, Aleck joined the Navy as part of the United States Naval Construction Battalions (Seabees). On his return to Santa Barbara, he continued to develop his carpentry skills, working around the city. He was proud to say he worked on the Santa Barbara Mission and other Montecito and Santa Barbara landmarks.
Aleck married his high school sweetheart Louise Ellen (Aylesworth) Stribling on October 27, 1946. They built their first home together on a 1 ½ acre lot at the end of Stoddard Lane in Montecito. Aleck still had his love for flowers, especially cymbidium orchids. After his day job as a carpenter, he worked with local orchid collectors and growers in exchange for bulbs and plants.
Ultimately, he started Aleck’s Orchids. As his business expanded and it grew exponentially, Aleck and Mr. E Gallup became partners and formed the world-renowned Gallup & Stribling Orchids, where he was President and grower. Continuing to use his knowledge of carpentry, Aleck built Gallup & Stribling from the ground up including but not limited to countless acres of greenhouses. After many years of family camping trips to Lake Nacimiento, Aleck used his skills to build his family a vacation home where they spent holidays and vacations. He loved the memories that his family made with him there and it was a place close to his heart.
After 50+ years and retirement approaching, he and his wife, Louise, were wondering what they could do to keep busy. They both had a love for animals, so when Aleck came across a magazine article on miniature horses and after attending a miniature horse show, they were hooked—coming home with 3. Now growing out of their place, they looked to Solvang where they bought 20 acres and built another world-renowned business, “Quicksilver Miniature Horse Ranch ”. After years of making the rounds on the miniature horse show circuit (from Texas to Colorado to Calgary, Canada) and the passing of his wife, Louise, Aleck sold the ranch and moved to Atterdag Retirement Village where he lived out his remaining years.
Aleck was known to his family and friends as a true family man. He supported his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren’s endeavors throughout his life. Family was the most important thing to him. Family time and holidays were a favorite of Aleck’s, and he loved having family together.
Aleck was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Louise; brother, Bill; sister, Nell; and daughter-in-law, Gail (Hoke) Stribling.
He leaves behind his three sons Rodney (Teresa), Jim (Rita), and Randy (Lori Jo). His 8 grandchildren Jamie Stribling, Mark Stribling, Rochelle Hicks (Bryant), Joleigh Obrien (Brandon), Denise Stribling, Braden Stribling (Ashley), Katie Emery (Alton), Casey Stribling (Mandy), and 15 great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held at 1:15 P.M. on Monday, November 7, 2022, at the Santa Barbara Cemetery, with a Celebration of Life to follow. Arrangements entrusted to Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Home. Please consider a donation in Aleck’s memory to Mini Therapy Horses, which can be found at https://www.minitherapyhorses.com/donate or 26500 Agoura Rd. Suite 102-460 Calabasas, CA 91302.