Alvin James Sherman, age 91, passed away peacefully on Jan. 5, 2024. He was surrounded by his family in his home on Ebey’s Prairie, where he and his late wife Phyllis lived for more than 60 years.

Al was born in Oak Harbor, Wash., in 1932, the first son of Clark and Dorothy Sherman. His brothers Roger and James later rounded out the family. Clark’s diary indicated a turkey was given to the doctor as payment for Al’s safe delivery. Money was tight during the Depression but as a farm family working the land above the Prairie, they had enough to eat.

Al attended Coupeville Schools and graduated in 1951. He enjoyed playing high school sports and helped his dad – alongside his paternal uncles – on the family turkey farm. After graduation, he spent a year at Washington State University and was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. He was a lifelong Cougar fan.

A 4-H member, he got the opportunity to be an International Farm Youth Exchange (IFYE) delegate to Austria in 1952. He traveled to postwar Europe by ship and spent 6 months living and working with an Austrian farm family. The experience shaped his life: He learned how Austrian farmland was protected and preserved; fell in love with the Alps; and saw firsthand the aftereffects of war. It solidified his love of country and democracy.

He was drafted into the United States Army in January of 1953 and served in the Signal Corp through December of 1954, when he was honorably discharged.

Al married the love of his life, Phyllis, on March 11, 1955, at theCoupeville Methodist Church, where they met and continued as members their entire lives.They made their first home next to Sunnyside Cemetery in the house that is now the Trust Board for Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve office. Soon they moved to their Ebey’s Prairie home on the family farm. They raised four daughters there: Krista, Karen, Karla and Alice. Al and his brother Roger worked the now-expanded farm together, eventually phasing it into a dairy farm in the 1970s. He was active in the dairy industry, serving on the National Dairy Board among other organizations, and mentored young farmers. He was a devoted community member, sitting on the local planning commission, serving as a 4-H leader and participating in the Coupeville Lions Club.

He and Phyllis hosted IFYE exchange students and various international guests as a way of “giving back” for his life-changing experience in Austria. His laugh, storytelling and brilliant smile – and Phyllis’ good cooking – made the farmhouse a popular destination. Maintaining ties with friends and family overseas was important to them and expanded their world.

Al was one of many people who in the 1970s worked to preserve his beloved Ebey’s Prairie from development. This work to establish what is now Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve was one of his proudest accomplishments – he was a true steward of the land and had a deep connection to it. An avid photographer, Al loved to document Ebey’s many moods and seasons – almost as much as he loved capturing his grandchildrens’ growing-up years on film.

As the farm transitioned to the next generation, Al and Phyllis felt fortunate to travel and Al pursued hobbies such as golf and computers. He enjoyed his friends at the Whidbey Golf and Country Club and was honored to serve on the board of Whidbey Island Bank. He was a conscientious leader and friend, a thoughtful listener who loved a deep and sometimes controversial conversation – which he often lightened up with a farmer joke.

He loved his family above all. Al and Phyllis loved to host their grandchildren, cheer them at events and visit them. The grandkids were a source of boundless joy for “Bapa.” As they grew older, he enjoyed regular chats with them about their work, children, sports, politics, their adventures and the news. He made them special photo cards for their birthdays, which were accompanied by one of “MorMor’s” incredible cakes. In his last days, sharp until the end, he wondered aloud about all they would do in their lives – and felt blessed for all that he had in his own. We will remember his wisdom, leadership, warmth and laugh as we hold him close in our hearts.

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13.

Al is survived by daughters Krista Seely (John), of Bainbridge Island; Karen Bishop (Wilbur), Coupeville; Karla Addison (Tom), Coupeville; and Alice Hansen (Brandon),

Mount Vernon. Brother James Sherman (Michael Ferri), Coupeville. Grandchildren Clark Bishop (Danielle), Coupeville; Alicen Bishop Liebers (Sean), Anchorage; Barbara Seely Moser (Joe), Indianapolis; Michael Vier (Cory Martin), Boise; Sam Vier,

(Allison) Windsor, Colo; Eric Seely, Seattle; Brandon Andrew Hansen, Seattle; Dane Hansen and Anna Hansen, Mount Vernon; Great-grandchildren Gwen and Luke Moser; Ellie and Clark Liebers; and Brayden and Bennett Vier. He is also survived by numerous relatives in a large extended family.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 am January 27, 2024 at Coupeville United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to the Coupeville United Methodist Church online at https://www.coupevilleumc.com/, by phone at (360) 678-4256; or to the Friends of the Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve online at http://www.friendsofebeys.org/donate.html, or send a check or money order to: Friends of Ebey’s – PO Box 958, Coupeville, WA 98239.