A really unique personality that really left a mark in the area. RIP

Agreed - very impressive and an incredible character and donor

A Giant Among Men. Irreplaceable. He Leaves A Hole In The Community That Will Never Be Filled. Thank You, Sir, For The Example You Set.

He offered us furniture when I was a graduate student at Stanford. He came to visit my wife, who was his banker at the time, and told the receptionist 'Tell Katherine her gardener is here to see her". A man both very humble and very extraordinary, he had a truly outsized impact on our community. He was a very hard nosed businessman, but also an uncommonly generous spirit. May we all learn from his example.

Along with huge donations to Stanford, he donated to small projects that made a big impact. At Hoover Park, where many children play in the playground, and play little league baseball, there was no bathroom until Arriaga paid for one several years ago.

John was an incredible person who touched so many people in different ways, I feel fortunate to have learned so many life lessons from him and for the friendship Cheryl and I had with John. His passion for sports and kids was special, he only wanted the best and made sure (John's way) that every project he did supported and brought joy to others. Several years ago the Palo Alto Little League field needed a major rennovation and upgrade, when I met with John about the project he was ecstatic to take the project on for the youth and community of Palo Alto...his one request "No Advertisements EVER on display at the ballpark", his team renovated and re-built the entire ball park to what it is today! This world needs more John Arrillaga's! RIP John and Thank You!

I think it is called old school and not aggressive!

A handshake with him meant your word and he was self made and obviously had no victim mentality in him at all.

He out grew the world we live in today years ago: everyone is a victim, life should be fair etc...this man was the opposite of all that crap with the motto of: regardless of circumstances JUST GET IT DONE!!!!

John was an example of how schools should be run today, not all this touchy, feely stuff going on today.

John was an unparalleled person and an inspiring friend! Generous to a fault…! He came with us to Italy and with Don Valentine, gave the money to clean and preserve the Bernini Doors of the Bapistry in Firenze through The Friends of Florence! No small deal! A visionary! Also very very amusing!

I knew John nominally and second all of the wonderful comments preceding.

It will be interesting to see how the city (council) deals with his proposal for new athletic facilities. Put his name on it since he can no longer make the call! I sure hope the proposal can move forward but with the disposition of the present council, will not bet on it!