ALDERT 'Al' DE VRIES Al De Vries passed away peacefully on Monday, November 23rd at the Christian Health Center in Lynden WA. Al was born March 7, 1930 in Garyp, Friesland, The Netherlands, to Hilke & 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, working on 'Main Street – USA.' Al's favorite hobby was raising racing pigeons.  Many 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 & Florence moved to Lynden, Washington.  Al is survived by his wife of 61 years, Florence, daughter Elly (Cal) Sherman, son Pete (Randie) De Vries, grandchildren Dana Dralle, PJ (Sharayah) De Vries, Elizabeth De Vries, Robert (Amanda) Sherman, & Larry Sherman. Great grand children Cody & Aly Sherman, & Alyvia Hawkins. 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 grand daughter Darci Dralle. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 5th, at Hawthorne Funeral Home Chapel, 1825 E. College Way, Mount Vernon, WA at 12:30 pm with graveside service immediately following.