Velven "Skinny" Albert went to be with his maker April 2, 2011. He was born Sept. 9, 1928, to Roy and Emily Albert in Palouse, Wash.

He was raised on a farm near Potlatch. He went to Elmore Grade School through eighth grade. He helped his father farm and log with horses, as well as worked for local farmers and loggers. He also worked in the Coeur d'Alene area saw mills until the Army drafted him into the Korean War in 1950. He served his country until 1952.

In 1955 he met and married his wife of 55-plus years, Mary Swink. They had three sons, Verl, Victor and Valven. He was preceded in death by two sons, Valven in 1974, Verl in 2004; his parents; a sister, Lu Rauch and his brother, Leon.

He and his family lived in Moscow for 30 years. He worked at various jobs as a mechanic, appliance repair, electrician, carpenter and mobile home set up and delivery. He was a member of the Moscow Moose Lodge. He loved to hunt, fish, go boating and camping. He loved the outdoors. He and his wife moved to Coeur d'Alene in 1986 where they continued to enjoy outdoor life, as well as many years of dancing. In Coeur d'Alene he worked as a RV repairman and transporter. He belonged to Coeur d'Alene Eagles Aerie 484 and the American Legion Post 14. Upon retirement, he and his wife enjoyed traveling in their motor home and going south for the winters.

Skinny is survived by his wife, Mary at their home in Coeur d'Alene; his son, Victor (Sally) Albert of Athol; grandchildren Cody, Anthony (Tamika) and Verl Jr.; granddaughter Stephani (Dion) Borchert; three great-grandchildren, three brothers, one sister, numerous nieces and nephews and Sharon Baird and family.

There will be a celebration of Skinny's life at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 9, 2011, downstairs at the Eagles Lodge in Coeur d'Alene, 209 Sherman Ave. Please visit Skinny's online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.