Albert "Skip" Friese

Albert "Skip" Friese passed away peacefully at his home in Lebam, Washington, on September

15, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in South Bend, Washington, to Albert George and Ethel Jean Friese (Almond), Skip was a

lifelong resident of the area and a pillar of his community. He graduated from Lebam High

School in 1955, notably just one year before the school consolidated with Willapa Valley. That

historic senior year marked the only time Lebam High School made it to the state basketball

tournament. Skip went on to become a standout athlete and a six-time letterman at Centralia

College, where his enduring sports legacy was recently honored with an induction into the

Centralia College Athletic Hall of Fame.

Skip learned his work ethic at a young age, working on the ranch since he was around six years

old. Even after he had a full-time job, he had to come home and handle ranch duties in the

evening. Eventually, Skip purchased the ranch from his dad. Professionally, he began his

working life as an independent log truck owner, operating his own truck for several years before

finding his long-term career with Weyerhaeuser around 1962. He dedicated 27 years to

Weyerhaeuser as a skilled catskinner, earning the respect of his colleagues for his hard work and

dedication to the timber industry. Following his retirement, Skip found fulfillment in the daily

work of rural life, continuing to run his cattle ranch in Lebam alongside his children.

Deeply involved in his community, Skip was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus,

the Raymond Elks, and the Raymond Eagles.

While he was dedicated to his work, his land, and his clubs, Skip’s true passion was his family.

His favorite—and only—hobby was fiercely supporting his children and grandchildren. Because

of his own deep love for sports, he was a constant, proud fixture in the stands, traveling near and

far to follow them through all of their athletic endeavors.

Skip is survived by his beloved wife, Evelyn Gail Friese (Matteson); his six children, Teri Friese

(Frasier), Tami Friese (Stahl), Ron, Rob, Skip, and Jamey; as well as a proud and growing legacy

of 20 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and one expected great-great-grandchild. He was

preceded in death by his sisters Katherine, Margaret (Peg), Cecilia (Geri), and grandson Kyle.

A service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on September 25th at the Holy Family Catholic Church in

Frances, Washington, followed by a grave site gathering at the Fern Hill Cemetery. A reception

will follow at the Raymond Elks.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Skip’s memory to the Willapa

Valley Alumni Scholarship Fund.