Albert Staal, a 30-year resident of Coupeville, died June 6, 2008, at Whidbey General Hospital at the age of 88. He was buried at Sunnyside cemetery next to his wife, Sylvia, on June 10.

Albert was born in London, England, on Jan. 27, 1920, where he grew up the youngest of three sons. During the Blitz, he spent nights sleeping in the tube stations while the city endured the Nazi bombing. He subsequently joined the Royal Air Force in his early 20s as an aerial reconnaissance photographer, where he met his wife Sylvia. After the war, he emigrated with his wife and two children to Australia, and then to the United States in 1953.

Self-taught in his father’s antique shop on Old Brompton Road in London, Albert spent most of his working life as a fine arts appraiser in Los Angeles, eventually starting his own business. His expertise allowed him entry into the homes of many luminaries of the entertainment industry.

Always an energetic conversationalist, Albert would learn the intimate details of his clients’ lives, and particularly enjoyed regaling friends and family with the “secret lives” of the stars. His stories were aided by a photographic memory. Even into his 80s, he could remember a telephone number with one telling.

With his adventurous spirit, Albert was one of the first Californians to discover the charms of the Pacific Northwest. He bought property in Coupeville in the 1970s and retired here in the 1980s. In his later years he was well known around town for his trademark fisherman’s cap and fanny pack.

He regularly attended the local coffee houses and was happy to talk at length to both old and new acquaintances.

As an avid reader of history and politics, often reading more than two or three books a week, Albert could be relied on for passionate commentary regarding current and past events. As many who met him know, he was ever ready for a vigorous debate.

Albert was a widower, surviving his wife of over 50 years, Sylvia nee Sorfleet, an artist, by 10 years. He is survived by his children, Ingrid Glancy of Denver and Stephen Staal of Gainesville, Fla.; four grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.