Samuel R. Albert, 53, died Friday, January 13, 2017. He was born on May 17, 1963, to Margaret and Louis Albert in Stanwood, Washington. Sam grew up on their small dairy farm along with his three brothers and one sister.

After he graduated from high school, he attended Bellingham Technical College to become certified to work on commercial heating and refrigeration systems. Unfortunately, he was only able to work for a few years in the field he loved. When he was 25, he began to experience unexplained weakness in his legs. After multiple medical tests and through a process of elimination, it was determined that Sam had developed multiple sclerosis (MS). He was able to continue to work for a short time, but was forced to leave work and go on disability as his condition grew worse.

Not too long after Sam was diagnosed with MS, his kidneys ceased to function for reasons not clear. As the years went by, Sam eventually became a paraplegic as a result of the ravages of MS.

But, as sad as these health conditions were for Sam, what we all need to remember is that his health conditions did not define him. He fought courageously against the limitations his body put upon him. He was a positive, emphatic and humble person. He was quick to smile and had a dry wit. He loved people. He loved going to dialysis at the Mt. Vernon facility three times a week because he enjoyed interacting with the caring and kind professionals who worked there and who took very good care of Sam.

He was able to continue living in the family home because of the selfless care his Mom and older brother Dan gave him. Eventually, caregiver Amy Sanders came to work with Sam 3-4 days a week. The whole Albert family is grateful to Amy who provided Sam with wonderful care for nearly 8 years.

Sam came to embrace religion and eventually became a member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church. Members of the church, Bruce and Sue Barnes, visited Sam frequently at home to discuss many aspects of the bible and these visits were a joy to Sam. His belief in God and the life hereafter gave him great peace and sense of serenity. Now, we who are left behind strive to believe as Sam did, that he is with God and no longer bound by a body that held him prisoner for so many years.

Sam is survived by three brothers, Dan, Paul and Tim Albert; and one sister, Sally Albert. Also, there are two nieces, Karly and Katie; and one nephew, Jesse. And, lastly, two grand-nephews, Jay and Isaac. The family would also like to mention Sam's two great friends from high school: Keith Christenson and Jeff Kramer. They never forgot about Sam and continued to visit throughout the years. Lastly, there is special friend Kathy Clear.

The funeral service will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church at 1515 E. College Way in Mt. Vernon at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 20th. The reception will be held immediately after the service at the church. A private family graveside service will be held in the Anderson Cemetery, Stanwood.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (nationalmssociety.org) or charity of your choice.

Arrangements under the direction of Gilbertson Funeral Home, Stanwood