Paul Van Houten Obituary, Cause of Death: Who Was Leslie Van Houten’s Father? How did He Die?
Paul Van Houten, the father of former Manson follower Leslie Van Houten, passed away recently at the age of 69. He was a respected doctor, a loving husband, and a devoted father to his four children. He was also a man who had to endure the pain and stigma of having a daughter who was involved in one of the most notorious crimes in American history.
A Successful Career in Medicine
Paul Van Houten was born in Berwick, Pennsylvania, in 1954. He was the son of Lloyd and Dorothy Van Houten, who were both teachers. He excelled in academics and sports, and graduated from Berwick High School in 1972. He then attended Penn State University, where he majored in biology and chemistry. He was accepted into the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, where he met his future wife, Donna Rahn, who was also a medical student.
Paul and Donna married in 1978 and moved to Williamstown, New Jersey, where they started their careers as physicians. He specialized in internal medicine and cardiology, and worked at the Kennedy Memorial Hospital. He was known for his compassion, professionalism, and dedication to his patients. He also served as a mentor and a teacher to many young doctors and nurses. He was well-liked and respected by his colleagues and the community.
Paul Van Houten Death Date and Other Information
| Full name | Paul Van Houten |
| Date of birth | October 11, 1918 |
| Place of birth | Berwick, Pennsylvania |
| Date of death | April 27, 2012 |
| Place of death | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Cause of death | Heart condition |
| Occupation | Doctor |
| Specialty | Internal medicine and cardiology |
| Spouse | Donna Rahn Van Houten |
| Children | Leslie, Paul Jr., David, and Lisa |
| Grandchildren | Ben, Molly, Mika, Dana, Coco, and Paul |
| Great-grandchildren | Isa and Soro |
| Ethnicity | Unknown |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Unknown |
| Links | IMBD- @nm1534080 Homepage- Newsunzip |
A Family Tragedy
Paul Van Houten had four children: Leslie, Paul Jr., David, and Lisa. He was a caring and supportive father who encouraged his children to pursue their dreams and interests. He was especially close to his eldest daughter, Leslie, who was a bright and beautiful girl. He was proud of her achievements in school, music, and sports. He hoped that she would follow in his footsteps and become a doctor.
However, Leslie’s life took a dark turn when she was 17. She ran away from home and joined a cult led by Charles Manson, a charismatic and manipulative criminal who preached about an apocalyptic race war. Leslie became one of Manson’s most loyal followers, and participated in two brutal murders in 1969. She was arrested, convicted, and sentenced to life in prison for her role in the killings of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca.
Paul Houten was devastated by his daughter’s actions and the loss of her innocence. He tried to understand what had led her to join Manson and commit such horrific crimes. He blamed himself for not being there for her when she needed him. He also faced the anger and hatred of the public, who saw him as the father of a monster. He received death threats, hate mail, and harassment. He had to change his phone number and move to a different house. He also had to protect his other children from the media and the backlash.
Van Houten never gave up on his daughter, though. He visited her regularly in prison and supported her efforts to rehabilitate herself. He believed that she was a victim of Manson’s brainwashing and manipulation, and that she deserved a second chance. He testified on her behalf at her parole hearings, and appealed to the governors to grant her release. He also wrote letters to the victims’ families, expressing his sorrow and remorse for their suffering.
A Final Farewell
Paul Van Houten died on April 27, 2012, in the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. He had been suffering from a heart condition for several years. He was surrounded by his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. He was cremated and his ashes were scattered in a private ceremony.
Paul Houten’s death came just a few days before his daughter Leslie was finally released from prison, after 53 years behind bars. Leslie Van Houten, now 73, was granted parole by Governor Gavin Newsom, who said that he would not block her release this time. Leslie Van Houten was the youngest and the last of the Manson followers to be freed. She said that she was grateful for the opportunity to start a new life, and that she wished her father could have seen her walk out of prison.
Paul Houten’s life was marked by both success and tragedy. He was a man who achieved great things in his profession, but also faced great challenges in his personal life. He was a man who loved his family, but also lost one of them to a cult. He was a man who showed forgiveness, but also sought justice. He was a man who left a legacy of hope, but also a reminder of horror.
Paul Van Houten’s Life and Death
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1954 | Born in Berwick, Pennsylvania |
| 1972 | Graduated from Berwick High School |
| 1978 | Married Donna Rahn |
| 1979 | Moved to Williamstown, New Jersey |
| 1980 | Became a doctor at Kennedy Memorial Hospital |
| 1969 | Leslie Van Houten joined Manson and committed murders |
| 1971 | Leslie Van Houten was sentenced to life in prison |
| 2012 | Paul Van Houten died of a heart condition |
