Aldert De Vries

  Aldert “Al” De Vries passed away peacefully on Monday, Nov. 23, 2015, at the Christian Health Center in Lynden. Al was born on March 7, 1930, in Garyp, Friesland, the Netherlands, to Hilke and Eelkje De Vries. In his late teens, he completed trade school as a journeyman carpenter, working in the construction industry with his father and brother.
  In 1952 he met Froukje Vander Meulen. They married in Holland in 1954 and immigrated in 1955. They settled in Artesia, California. Al continued working in construction. One of his first jobs was working on the project of Disneyland’s Main Street – USA.
  Al’s favorite hobby was raising racing pigeons. Folks driving on LaVenture Road in Mount Vernon would often see a flock of pigeons circling the house, coming home from a race. They’d regularly knock on the door of the “guy with the pigeons,” and ask questions about pigeon racing. Al was always eager to provide answers.
  Al treasured his family and loved being Pake to his grandchildren.
  In 1998, Al and Florence moved to Lynden.
  Al is survived by his wife of 61 years, Florence; daughter Elly (Cal) Sherman; son Pete (Randie) De Vries; grandchildren Dana Dralle, P.J. (Sharayah) De Vries, Elizabeth De Vries, Robert (Amanda) Sherman and Larry Sherman; great-grandchildren Cody and Aly Sherman and Alyvia Hawkins; and his sisters in Holland: Wimke Tjerdsma, Hilsie Tiemersma and Pietsie De Boer.
  He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Ljbbe DeVries; sister Sjouk Vollema; and granddaughter Darci Dralle.
  A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 5, at Hawthorne Funeral Home Chapel, 1825 E. College Way, Mount Vernon, WA at 12:30 p.m. with graveside service immediately following.
  Please share your thoughts and sign the online guest register at www.hawthornefh.com.
  Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home of Mount Vernon.