They don't make 'em like him anymore – farewell to a true classic.
Alen Sophus Federspiel
February 10, 1931–February 21, 2025
According to family legend—one he loved to tell often—Alen Sophus Federspiel made his grand entrance into this world on February 10, 1931, in Seattle, right on his grandmother's kitchen table! Whether that's entirely true or just part of his signature storytelling, it certainly set the stage for a life full of adventures, friendships, projects, and unforgettable tales. From the very beginning, Alen did things his own way.

Early Life & Siblings
The third child in his family, Alen (affectionately called "Alaboy" by his parents) was born to Paul Otto Federspiel (Arhus, Denmark) and Ella Christine Tollefson (Hatton, North Dakota). He grew up in Ballard, alongside his siblings Kenneth Otto, George Edward, Lois Christine, Ralph Rodney, and Linda Lou.
Alaboy's friendships started early, and none were stronger than the lifelong bond he shared with his siblings. Whether it was skiing, traveling, or simply swapping stories, his brothers and sisters were some of his closest friends. As the years passed, these relationships deepened, extending to his nieces and nephews, with whom he shared wisdom, laughter, and plenty of unforgettable adventures. Uncle Al wasn't just family—he was a mentor, a storyteller, and a friend.
Back in The Day
Alen attended Ballard High School until 1949, before continuing his education at the University of Washington, where he eventually earned a degree in Civil Engineering. When he was about 19, he bought a lot of land on the Tye River near Skykomish, and, with the help of friends, built a ski cabin. This close-knit group of adventurers became known as the Tye River Bunch, and their ski trips and shared laughter formed some of his happiest memories. For Alaboy, friends (especially ski friends) and adventure were the greatest joys of his youth.
Alen served in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957, where his natural skills led him to the ski patrol in Germany—an assignment that perfectly blended duty with his love of the mountains.
After completing his military service, Alen's first job was with Ness Crane in Seattle. A couple of his notable projects included the Bear Grotto at Woodland Park Zoo and the freeway interchange at I-405 and SR-520 in Bellevue.
A Love Story and Family Life
In 1960, while on a ski trip with friends to Big Mountain in Montana, Alen met Lynne O'Neill. The two quickly hit it off, and they married on June 17, 1961. They started their family in Ballard before moving to Bellevue in 1965 to raise their six children: Kirsten Marie, Paul Alen, Patrick Joseph, Gretchen Ann, Peter Michael, and Suzanne Terese. Sadly, Kirsten passed away in 1968, a loss that Alen and Lynne bore quietly as they carried on with raising their family.
The two filled their lives with family, friends, skiing, and endless projects. Alen was always building, fixing, or creating something—whether it was woodworking, tinkering with engines, or finding inventive ways to repurpose materials. They were both deeply involved in their community, and their children's and grandchildren's activities.
A Career in Building and a Mind for Invention
Around this time, Alen began his career as a home builder. While he mastered his craft, he also took pride in sharing his knowledge, mentoring not only his children but also countless friends and young people eager to learn about engineering and construction. As a testament to his legacy, many of those he guided went on to build successful careers in the industry.
But Alen wasn't just a builder of homes—he was a builder of ideas, contraptions, and stories. His creativity was unmatched, whether it was crafting a gate out of an old bicycle, making lamps from vintage skis, or inventing practical (and sometimes wildly impractical) gadgets like hairdryer holsters for his daughters and daughters-in-law. His workshop was a place of endless curiosity, where he experimented with woodworking, engineering, and even growing crops at his 'farm' in Stanwood. On a trip to Washington, D.C., he collected oak tree seeds and planted them back home—just to see if they would take root…they did!
A true collector at heart, Alen surrounded himself with treasures—classic cars, musical instruments, and good jokes, especially his beloved Sven & Ollie stories. He had a song for every occasion and never passed up the chance to make someone laugh, whether with a perfectly timed one-liner or his legendary "How to Catch a Polar Bear" routine.
Adventures in Retirement
After retiring, Alen and Lynne traveled extensively, taking ski trips across Europe and exploring destinations like China, New Zealand, Australia, the Netherlands, and Ukraine. They also visited family in Denmark, reconnecting with Alen's heritage. On one of their cruises, Alen and Lynne entered a talent show and won first prize for their 'performance.' According to Al, the ship's regular musical act "didn't want them to perform" because they were clearly threatened by their talent.
Even as the years passed, Alen and Lynne's love for skiing never faded. In 2016, after a long and courageous battle with cancer, Lynne passed away—but not before they took one last ski trip together that February. They shared a lifetime of laughter, love, and adventure.
A New Chapter with Fritzie
Later in life, Alen connected with an old friend, Fritzie Gibbons, and the two shared many adventures, laughter, and memories of growing up in 'the good 'ol days.' Together, they blended their families, celebrating holidays, birthdays, weddings, and sporting events as one. Alen's family is forever grateful for Fritzie's spirited ways, which kept 'Grandpa Al' active, engaged, and in good humor.
A Life Well Lived
Alen, was a man who built things—homes, friendships, stories, and memories. Whether crafting a quirky invention in his workshop, carving fresh ski tracks, or delivering a perfectly timed joke, he had a way of leaving his mark on the world. His legacy lives on through the things he built, the lessons he taught, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave. Alen passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on February 21, 2025
Preceded in Death :
Alen was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lynne; his daughter, Kirsten; his parents, Paul and Ella Federspiel; and his siblings: Kenneth; George; and Lois.
Survived By :
He is survived by his children, Paul; Patrick (Chanel); Gretchen Magnuson (Eric); Peter (Cara); and Suzanne Caldwell (Eric, deceased); his grandchildren: Clayton (Sy); Gunnar; Tennyson; Stryker; Braeden; Garett; Téa; Grayce; and Ryder; his siblings: Ralph (Trudy); and Linda; and his many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. Alen's legacy continues to grow with his expected first great grandchild, a baby boy, due April 2. No doubt, he's keeping an eye on things, making sure the little one arrives safely—probably with a Sven & Ollie joke at the ready!
A Celebration of Alaboy's Life will be held on Saturday, May 10 from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at Camano Center 606 Arrowhead Road, Camano Island .
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to an outdoor charity to help keep the wild places Alaboy loved open for future generations to enjoy.