Robert Albright, 54, of Willow City, ND and Prior Lake, MN, died unexpectedly on Monday, February 27, 2023 at his home in Prior Lake, MN.
On July 30, 1968, Robert Jon was born to Robert and Judie Wittmayer Albright in Bottineau North Dakota. Robert is the youngest of 3 brothers, Neil and Michael.
After graduating from Willow City High School in 1986, Robert attended the FW Guide School in Montana. After finishing guide school, he followed his water-skiing passion and worked all over the US for Sea World and Water Ski Shows Inc. His love for the water and skiing led him to ski in Muskegon Michigan where he met his wife, Tina. In 1994, his father (Bob) suddenly passed and Robert moved home to help manage the family farm in Willow City, ND with his brother Neil.
Robert married Tina Marquess in Brookston, IN on June 14, 1997. They settled at “the ranch” along the J Clark Sawyer National Refuge in Towner, ND where they began “The Old West Trail” Outfitters business. They had two children, Jordan and Jillian. Robert’s passion for flying and hunting were passed down to his children. He taught Jordan to fly an Ultralight and had many proud moments hunting with Jordan. He loved driving the boat while Jillian continued to work on her wake surfing skills, and of course teaching her how to drive a tractor.
In 2004, Robert and Tina purchased a lake home at Lake Metigoshe to continue their love for water sports. Robert was known for his wittiness and humor and his tender heart. He made everyone feel welcome and would tell them many of his crazy experiences and stories.
Robert was most notably known for his “saving the fawns” video on tiktok which received over 19 million views and 4+ million “likes” making him the leading tiktok’er in the family and a hero to the fawns.
Robert is survived by his wife, of 25 years, Tina; son, Jordan Albright (21); daughter, Jillian Albright (14); mother, Judie; siblings, Neil (Chantelle) Albright, Mike (Stephanie) Albright along with many nieces and nephews.
Robert was preceded in death by his father, Robert William Albright.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 5, 2023 at 2:00 PM with visitation beginning at 1:00 PM at First Lutheran Church (310 Hager Street) in Willow City, ND. Pastor Carol Wendel will preside. A lunch will be served following the service at Willow City Community Hall (226 Main Street) in Willow City, ND. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be distributed in Robert’s honor by his family.
A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held in Minnesota for Robert on Friday, March 17, 2023 from 3-6:00PM at Charlie’s on Prior – The Landing (3950 Green Heights Trail SW, Prior Lake, Minnesota, 55372).
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Kellie
We will ALWAYS cherish the memories that we made together as families. My heart is broken for all of you. Sending much love to Tina, Jordan and Jill and the rest of the family.
Robert, you will definitely be missed. Fly high, my friend.
Kevin Pfau
So very sad and sorry for the loss of your beloved husband, father and son. May you always cherish the wonderful memories that you all had together.
Tina Albright
Thank you Kevin
-Tina
James Vollmer
Grew up with the Albright boys… less than 1/2 mile away from our farm. They were schoolmates, teammates in sports, hunting buddies and above all friends and neighbors.
Robert (‘Lil Bob) always had a smile and a witty sense of humor. Never one to back down from a situation, first out to the hunting blind or the first one there to lend a hand. He was one of a kind, and will be missed by all of us who knew him.
Jim Goodchild
I am so sorry for your family’s loss! Robert’s free spirit is waiting on the water whenever you are there….
Take Care!
Dan Bower
Very sorry to hear and condolences to all of the Albright families.
jayme zylstra
Sending so much love and prayers to you Tina, Jordan and Jillian. May you find peace in the wonderful memories you all created and the love that was shared. Bless you all.
Charles Sund
Our Sincere Condolences to the Albright Family from Chuck and Nancy Sund.
Terry Meester
Prayers to all Robert’s friends and family! Met Robert while moose hunting this fall. When I was out I sent him a message it would be a good night to fly and spot moose, 1/2 hr later I heard a buzzsaw in the air! He spotted me and landed in the field next to me we had a great conversation and had a few phone calls since then! Actually thought about calling him a couple weeks ago to see how the deer were doing and if he was a shed hunter! Wish I would of! Had only a few contacts with him, but thought of him as a friend, not hard to tell he was a guy to ride the river with! My thought are with all that knew him in this difficult time.
Bradley Waters
I didn’t know Robert personally, only through flying. We talked on the internet about flying and farming and he seemed like a good guy.
Cherie Buck
Sending love & our deepest condolences at this very sad & difficult time. Our hearts are broken…
You are all in our thoughts & prayers,
Love
Cherie, Jamie, Kyle & Joel Buck
(Australia)
Terry Schmaltz
Sorry for your loss, Robert a always had a smile in his face & ready for a laugh.
Barry Brooks
Robert taught me how to wake surf in ND none the less. I enjoyed the years we took turns doing fun things with our boys. He showed my son how to downhill ski (nick named him Full Throttle by the way), made motocross jumps for the boys to enjoy and the mothers to worry about, spent countless hours teaching us how to water ski and surf the right way. He and I spent many a day riding the snowmobile trails with our boys enjoying trailblazing and jumping some of the wickedest jumps that would scare the faint of heart. Robert was a good man, a true blue. He will be sorely missed as he left a big gap in this world that only good people like Robert fill. Rest in Peace my friend and may a shroud of protection and blessing be placed around your loved ones in your absence. God bless.
Tina Albright
Thank you Barry – we had some really good times. Either in PL or ND
Beth Moore
My deepest sympathy to Tina and their children. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tina Albright
Thank you Beth
Ronnie wittmeier
I will miss all the low flyovers when I’m in the hay field i always had Robert to wave at with Robert waving back he will be missed and I always will be looking up
Ronald Stenson
So sorry for your loss from Ron and Sharon Stenson.
Mary Berg
Don and I are so sorry to learn of Robert. We send our love and sympathies to Tina, Jordan and Jillian.
We will keep you in our prayers.
Mary and Don Berg
Tina Albright
Thank you Mary and Don
Roger and Vonda Reamer
We send our sincere condolences to Tina and the family. Robert will be greatly missed by all. Grew up with the Albright family and have always appreciated our relationship. May God Bless Judy, Neil, Mike and their families during this very difficult time. The way Robert lived a full life, we are sure the family have many great memories to cherish. Those you never lose.
Tina Albright
Thank you
Wendy Pogue
Tina and family I am truly sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with your family ❤️
Jeff schmaltz
Tina and family,
So sorry for the loss of your loved one Robert. God’s blessings in this time of sorrow.
Johnny and Kristie Stockman
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May you find comfort in the many wonderful memories he left behind.
Jonathan Painter
Robert leaves a legacy of a hard working patriot and devoted family man. He will be missed by all who knew him. My heartfelt sympathy to his family for their loss. Thank you Robert!
Tom and Louise McGarry
We are so sorry for your loss. We enjoyed his fly overs in Willow and this is so hard for your family. Prayers and much sympathy.
Don and Bonnie Stenson
Tina, Jordan and Jillian our hearts go out to you for your loss. Our sincere sympathies to you and Judie, Neil and Michael and families.
Bill Von Ohlen
I didn’t know Robert personally but I think we were of a kindred spirit. I grew up in MN. Flew hang gliders, had a powered parachute, and skied at Sea World a year or two before he and Neil were there. Thanks to the “Book of Faces”, I feel as though we would have been great friends. I loved reading his posts and seeing how much he loved his family. I can’t imagine the void this is leaving. The Albright family is in our prayers.
Bill and Sonja Von Ohlen
Dan & Beth Klebe
My heartfelt prayers and thoughts are with Robert’s family. Robert was a great guy, and I will treasure all the fun memories I have of him throughout the years.
Steve and Robin (Ellis) Erdman
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We grew up with Robert and his family and are thinking of you all at this time of loss.
Christy Buschman
Tina you are in my prayers. May you feel the love that is wrapped around you in all you do. The good, the bad and the ugly you are never alone. It’s not easy finding the new way to do things. Take it slow, keep putting one foot in front of the other. Love ya.
Jim and Marilyn Sievert (Jon’s parents)
Tina, Jordan and Jillian, our hearts go out to you as we send deepest condolences from Wisconsin. Even though we just met you, Tina and Jordan, and of course, Robert, at the NTEA last March, reading Robert’s obit was surreal. In the short time we spent with you both, Robert had told us all these things about his incredible talents and experiences. He absolutely loved the twilight flight in the ultralight – I could tell as he talked about the peace and serenity of the floating aircraft as it silently moved in the sky.
May you find comfort in the words of Jesus “Come, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Sending prayers for strength as you go through these deep waters and so much love during this trying
Michelle Cuka
Tina, Jordan and Jillian,
Our hearts are broken for you. We will continue to lift you up in our prayers and wish you peace in your memories. Thinking of you, and please let us know what we can do to support and help out.
Michelle, Jon, Tanner & Bennett
Frank, Tammy Woody
We send our sincere condolences to the entire Albright family. I personally didn’t know Robert or his family however my husband and son has been hunting with Robert and Jordan in the past, I have heard all of the great stories about him and his beautiful family. Such wonderful people to open their doors to just about anyone from what I have heard. I really wanted to meet all of you as both my husband & son spoke very highly of you all. Thank you for always welcoming them and treating them like family. I know Robert will be MISSED by MANY.
Frank and Tammy Woody
Jeff & Stephanie Smette
Our love and prayers are with you all f do urging this very difficult time. May all your wonderful memories fill your hearts and minds. We are so very sorry.❤️
Dave Kamalman
I had the privilege and joy of working with Robert in San Diego at SeaWorld. Robert was a great mentor and teammate. His humor and wit are what I will miss the most. So many who knew Robert are hurting right now.
To Tina and the kids, I hope the outpouring of possitive comments about your husband & father at least brings a smile to your face in knowing hom much he was loved & respected throught the world.
Joe Myor
Tina and family,
Susan and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Joe and Susan Myor
David Ohnstad
Robert and I truly enjoyed skiing, snowmobiling and enjoying our friendship.. I will always remember his wonderful sense of humor and his love of life. His greatest loves in life was his wonderful family and his love for flying, He was one of a kind and will be missed Beyond words. RIP my friend!
Sue & Wes Knettle
We offer our sincere condolences to the Albright Family.
Tiffanny Kerr
I’m so sorry Tina, Jordan, Jillian and extended family. I didn’t know Robert very well, knew him from watching many little league baseball games and football games w/ him and our families when the boys were young. Such a great dad!
Sending prayers for strength and comfort to you all. ❤️
Tommy Heeter
Crazy world! My heart is sent your way.