Albert “Skip” Friese passed away peacefully at his home in Lebam, Washington, on Sept. 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 6 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) and Cecilia (Geri), and grandson, Kyle.
A service will be held at 11 a.m. Sept. 25 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Frances, Washington, followed by a graveside gathering at 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.
