Albert Thorton Egbers

1926 - 2007

Albert Thorton (Dode) Egbers passed away Wednesday, March 7, 2007, surrounded by family members at home in Mount Vernon, WA, following a brief battle with cancer. Dode was born in Mount Vernon, WA, March 28, 1926, the son of Milton Lincoln Egbers and Zetta Elaine (Robinson).

He attended Mount Vernon High School and graduated in 1943. His interest in farming began early, as he played an active role in FFA. He entered the U.S. Navy upon his graduation and served in the Pacific during World War II aboard the U.S.S. Kenton.

Upon his discharge in 1945, Dode returned to Skagit County and rejoined his brother, Bud, in their farming operation. In 1947, the brothers established Skagit Valley Trucking Co. as an extension of the farming operation. The trucking company grew rapidly to become one of the leading freight carriers in the Pacific Northwest. The brothers sold the company, now known as Skagit Transportation, in 1994. In 1951 Dode married Dona Mae Gunerius and they had three sons.

In 1942, Dode was one of the founding members of the McLean Road Fire Department and served as Chief from 1959 to 1965. He was interested in aviation and obtained a private pilot's license in the 1970s. He was an avid outdoorsman, and fished commercially in Alaskan and local waters from the 1960s through the 1980s. He enjoyed the wilderness of Montana, which he explored during hunting trips as a young man. He later purchased acreage in Lincoln, MT, where he spent several months each year. He treasured his time in Montana and the many good friends he made there.

In 1996 Dode married Marguerite Dolores Leadbetter (VanGasken). Marguerite brought much fulfillment and happiness into Dode's life. They enjoyed an adventurous lifestyle, traveling in their motor home, boating, and vacationing on Sinclair Island. Dode and Marguerite lived in the home they built together in Mount Vernon with their constant canine companion, Amber.

Survivors include wife Marguerite; brother Milton Robinson (Bud) Egbers and wife Katie; sons and daughters-in-law Mike (Merrilee), Steve (Pam), and Russ; five grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

A memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, March 18 at 2:00 p.m. at the McLean Road Fire Department, 15452 Beavermarsh Road (intersection of McLean and Beavermarsh Roads).

Memorials can be sent to the McLean Road Fire Department Community Playfield Fund, 15452 Beavermarsh Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98273, or the Salem Lutheran Church, 2529 North LaVenture Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.